Activists call on councils to take action against Thames Water

Campaign groups plan to lodge statutory nuisance complaints against Thames Water, urging local councils to hold the company legally accountable for ongoing sewage contamination. River Action highlighted that documents submitted by Thames Water to regulator Ofwat revealed that upgrades to 93 sewage treatment facilities and pumping stations remain unfinished.

The organization intends to file complaints with councils across London, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and Buckinghamshire, demanding "firm action" to halt pollution caused by Thames Water.

A Thames Water spokesperson stated that the company informed regulators in 2023 it would be unable to complete all planned upgrades, but emphasized its commitment to ensuring healthy waterways.

Five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave has publicly supported River Action's initiative.

Backed by rowing champions Sir Steve Redgrave and Imogen Grant, who plans to submit a notice to Wokingham Council personally, River Action asserts that sewage dumping qualifies as a statutory nuisance under the law. The group expects councils to investigate possible violations and take necessary action. If a nuisance is confirmed, authorities can issue an abatement notice requiring Thames Water to stop the pollution or face criminal consequences.

Sir Steve Redgrave commented: "Having spent my life on the water, I am appalled by the pollution Thames Water continues to permit. This is why I am joining River Action and local communities to hold this company accountable. Rivers should be safe for everyone, and it is unacceptable that people must fight for clean waterways."

River Action has announced or will submit complaints to multiple councils. Olympic gold medallist Imogen Grant added: "Rivers are vital for sport, wildlife, and communities, and it is shocking to see them repeatedly contaminated by untreated sewage. I have filed a nuisance claim with Wokingham because the pollution puts me and other river users at risk. I stand with River Action to protect the rivers we all depend on."

The group reported that sewage discharge hours from Newbury into the River Kennet rose by 240% between 2019 and 2024. Thames Water data indicated that E. coli levels in treated effluent at Henley-on-Thames exceeded safe bathing water limits by over 30 times. One of the problematic treatment works is located in Henley, Oxfordshire.

A Thames Water spokesperson emphasized the companys awareness of the public's connection to rivers and outlined plans for the largest network upgrade in 150 years, targeting 9.5 billion of investment over five years for wastewater infrastructure. These improvements aim to expand treatment capacity, reduce storm discharges, and implement nutrient reduction measures.

The spokesperson added that the company informed Ofwat, the Environment Agency, and other stakeholders in August 2023 that some Water Industry National Environmental Programme (WINEP) projects would face delays but reaffirmed Thames Waters commitment to fulfilling all WINEP obligations. They noted that maintaining healthy rivers requires cooperation across farming, industry, road runoff, wildlife, and adaptation to extreme weather. While recognizing that all untreated discharges are undesirable, the spokesperson reminded that the sewage system was historically designed to prevent backflow into homes.

Author: Sophia Brooks