Thames Water Faces Financial Crisis as Pollution Incidents Surge

The utility company needs £3 billion in emergency funding and a 59% bill hike approval to avoid collapse by March 2025.

Thames Water reported a 40% rise in pollution incidents in the first half of the year, citing record rainfall as a key factor.
The company is grappling with £15.8 billion in debt and needs £3 billion in emergency funding to remain solvent beyond March 2025.
CEO Chris Weston has called for a 59% increase in customer bills over the next five years, arguing it is necessary to attract investment and fund infrastructure improvements.
Critics and regulators have raised concerns over executive bonuses totaling £770,000 and the company's environmental performance, which has drawn public outrage.
Ofwat's upcoming decision on Thames Water's five-year funding plan will determine whether the company can secure necessary investments or risk government intervention.