Ellie Ames 25 January 2024

Thames Water sewage spills more than quadruple

Thames Water sewage spills more than quadruple image
Image: Lindze Hall / Shutterstock.com

The mayor of London has called out the ‘scandalous’ increase in instances of sewage flowing into the capital’s rivers, urging Thames Water to ‘get a grip of the situation’.

Between April and December 2023, sewage was released into London's waterways for 6,590 hours, according to City Hall’s analysis of Thames Water data.

The figure is more than four times higher than the 1,420 hours recorded during the same period in 2022.

These discharges include treated sewage as well as overflows of untreated sewage and storm water during high rainfall, which is permitted by the Environment Agency.

London mayor Sadiq Khan has written to Thames Water’s new CEO, Chris Weston, asking for reassurance that the company ‘will fulfil its obligations on environment including cleaning up our rivers and tackling pollution discharges’.

The mayor said: ‘Frankly the current state of some of our rivers is appalling and only getting worse. Thames Water urgently need to up their up their game, and get a grip of the situation.

‘At the same time, ministers are standing by and letting more and more dirty sewage flow into our rivers. We need tougher legislation that forces water companies to act as a matter of urgency.’

A Thames Water spokesperson said: ‘We regard all discharges as unacceptable and are committed to reducing the need for them.

‘The Thames Tideway Tunnel, a £4.5bn investment, is nearing completion.

‘This project, combined with previous upgrades we’ve made to our London sewage works and the building of the Lee Tunnel, will capture 95% of the volume of untreated sewage currently entering the tidal Thames in a typical year.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner