Thames Water ranked worst supplier in England as firms' ratings hit record low

"England's water company ratings have fallen to the lowest level on record after sewage pollution last year hit a new peak, with eight of nine water companies rated as poor and needing improvement by the Environment Agency. The cumulative score of only 19 stars out of a possible 36 is the lowest since the regulator began auditing the companies using the star rating system in 2011. Only one company, Severn Trent, achieved full marks."

"Struggling Thames Water was the only company to be awarded one star for its performance. In 2023-24, its serious sewage pollution incidents more than doubled from 14 to 33. Thames is on the brink of collapse as the company struggles to secure a deal to write off its debt and secure its future. It has been battling huge debts built up over two decades by owners who have been criticised for paying out dividends without investing enough in its leaking pipes and malfunctioning treatment works."

"The report blames the lower performance on wet and stormy weather in 2024; underinvestment in, and poor maintenance of, infrastructure; as well as increased monitoring and inspection. Ofwat's performance report was also published on Thursday and the regulator found pollution incidents remained at unacceptable levels, with only two companies having reported a reduction in incidents over the five-year period. It found that so far during the 2020-25 period, water companies had increased the amount of sewage spilled despite having promised to cut it by 30%."

Water company performance in England declined to the lowest recorded level as sewage pollution reached a new peak, leaving eight of nine companies rated poor by the Environment Agency. The combined score was only 19 of 36 stars, the lowest since 2011. Severn Trent achieved full marks despite reporting tens of thousands of sewage spills. Thames Water received a single star, saw serious pollution incidents more than double, and faces collapse amid long-term debts and criticised dividend practices. Regulators attributed poor outcomes to stormy weather, underinvestment, poor maintenance, and increased monitoring, while Ofwat reported overall increases in sewage spills over 2020–25.

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