Thames Water leakage targets are ‘not realistic’ says boss

Chris Weston, speaking on the BBC’s Big Boss Interview podcast, stated that some of the firm’s targets were beyond what they could achieve.

He said: “We have to hit a certain level of leakage, but it is so far in excess of what we are capable of doing, I think anyone would be capable of doing, however much money you invested, that it is not going to be achievable.”

Thames Water, the largest water company in the UK, has been under fire recently for its handling of sewage discharges and leaks.

Last year, it was fined a record £122.7 million by regulator Ofwat, largely for breaching sewage spill rules.

The company, serving 16 million customers in London and parts of southern England, treats 4.3 billion litres of waste daily.

Mr Weston mentioned that “99.5% of the time” the waste is treated successfully, although “sometimes something goes wrong”.

He added that while the company wants to improve on pollution, the chance of getting to zero pollution was “very, very slim”.

Ofwat responded to Mr Weston’s comments by stating: “With around a fifth of water put into supply still lost through leakage, companies must deliver on the commitments they have been funded to achieve.

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(Image: PA)

“Water company targets are intended to be ambitious and drive better outcomes for customers and the environment.”

The Environment Agency spokesperson said the agency and the public expect Thames Water to comply with the law, adding that the agency would continue to hold companies to account where performance falls short.

James Wallace, chief executive of campaign group River Action, criticised Thames Water.

He said: “Thames Water’s tactics of opacity and deflection fool no-one.

“Telling the public to save water while this wasteful profit-obsessed corporation leaks 570 million litres of treated drinking water every day is offensive.

“There is nothing ‘realistic’ about accepting sewage pollution as inevitable.”

Thames Water has been grappling with billions of pounds in debt and faces the risk of temporary nationalisation, known as a special administration regime.

Mr Weston, however, warned of the potential burden on taxpayers if this were to happen.

Instead, he backed a rescue deal proposed by the firm’s lenders.

Meanwhile, Mr Weston defended the company’s pay levels, as his pay rose by 14% to £1.163 million in the year to March, while other directors received bonuses totalling £4.1 million.