Thames Water Boss Criticizes 'Unrealistic' Targets Amid Pollution Criticism

Thames Water's CEO, Chris Weston, has stated that the company's targets for reducing leakages and pollution are "not realistic." This comes after Thames Water was fined a record £122.7m by Ofwat for breaching sewage spill rules. Weston expressed the desire to improve but claimed some targets, such as significantly reducing leakage, are unachievable even with substantial investment. Ofwat countered that these targets are intentionally ambitious to drive better outcomes. Environmental group River Action criticized Thames Water's "tactics of opacity and deflection," advocating for the company to be put into special administration and rebuilt as a public utility. Thames Water, heavily in debt, faces the possibility of temporary nationalization, a move supported by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who favors direct public control of utilities. However, Weston warned that nationalization could disrupt investment and burden taxpayers, instead supporting a creditor-proposed rescue deal that includes debt write-off and government veto powers. The company's high executive pay, including Weston's 14% increase to £1.163m, has also drawn criticism, especially as the company warns of potential insolvency by November. Weston defended the pay, citing the need to attract talent. Public anger towards the water industry has sometimes turned violent, with staff facing abuse, a situation Weston condemned.