Thames Water will spend £1.8 billion upgrading 26 sewer overflows in London. Our investigations revealed this list contained mistakes and inaccuracies. One overflow no longer existed, it was sealed 20 years ago. We must make the water company improve the worst spillers and do it cost-effectively.
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There is a risk that Thames Water won't carry out detailed investigations to determine which sewer overflows are causing the most damage to London's rivers. In March 2025 the company announced plans to invest £1.8 billion but didn't reveal the locations. We asked them where they were and they sent us a list. However it was inaccurate. Further questioning made the company admit that they hadn't actually undertaken the work needed to create the list of 26 overflows.
Our bills will pay for this investment. We have a right to know that it is being well spent. Using the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 we will make Thames Water publish detailed and regular information about the sites it is considering for upgrades. Our intervention will make Thames Water do a better job, and see it subject to public control.
