Thames Water CEO Says 570 Million-Litre Daily Leakage Target Is Unrealistic as £9 Billion Rescue Looms
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 30
Thames Water CEO Says 570 Million-Litre Daily Leakage Target Is Unrealistic as £9 Billion Rescue Looms
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 30
Summary
Chris Weston said Thames Water cannot realistically meet some leakage and pollution goals, arguing even heavy investment would not make the targets achievable and that the chance of reaching zero pollution is "very, very slim."
Thames loses about 570 million litres of treated drinking water a day, while Weston said the company processes 4.3 billion litres of wastewater daily and treats it successfully 99.5% of the time.
Ofwat rejected the complaint, saying ambitious targets are needed when around a fifth of water put into supply is still lost through leakage, and the Environment Agency said Thames must comply with the law.
The remarks land as Thames faces possible special administration after years of poor performance and debt; Weston instead backed creditors' plan to write off about £9 billion, add new investment and give government a golden share.
Pressure on the company is widening as England and Wales face drought conditions, Thames has imposed a hosepipe ban, and Weston called droughts the "new normal" while urging approval for more reservoirs.