Thames Water region one of the most polluted in the UK, study finds
It’s as an independent review of the water industry is considering abolishing regulator, Ofwat
Research from an environmental charity based in Oxfordshire has found the Thames Water basin area to be one of the most polluted fresh waters in the UK.
Oxfordshire has been ranked among the top 10 worst county's for healthy water, with the findings from the research revealing traces of nicotine in a quarter of samples, alongside antidepressants and caffeine.
Around 4,500 people took part in the citizens science event, measuring the water quality across the UK, by looking at the levels of nitrate and phosphate in river, canals and lakes.
The study from Earthwatch found high levels of these chemicals, often from agriculture or sewage being released into the waterways.
This leads to low oxygen in freshwater bodies, negatively impacting aquatic plants and animals in a process called eutrophication.
Dr Sasha Woods, Director of Science and Policy at Earthwatch Europe said: “The Thames and Anglian River basin districts have the worst water quality in the whole of the UK, with up to 80% of measurements indicating high levels of nutrient pollution and therefore low water quality.
“Along with caffeine, we found nicotine in 25% of samples. There are antidepressants , painkillers, antibiotics, so there’s all sorts of things going on in the water and we don’t know what they’re doing in combination.”
Independent review into the water industry
An independent review into the water industry is considering abolishing regulator Ofwat. The review is also considering other measures to reform the sector, after a public outcry over bills, bonuses and sewage pollution.
Dr Woods welcomes the review of the water industry, she said: “It’s going to take the combined action of government, water companies, the agriculture sector, and from concerned communities advocating for their fresh water.”
The UK and Welsh governments announced what they said was the ‘largest review of the sector since privatisation’, with an independent commission chaired by former deputy governor of the Bank of England, Sir Jon Cunliffe.
It will focus on the water sector and its regulation and will have no limits in the scope of its potential recommendations, including wholesale reform of Ofwat and how it interacts with other watchdogs such as the Environment Agency.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed told Sky News he was not ruling out getting rid of Ofwat altogether.
He said: "I don't rule that out. What I've asked Sir Jon to do is a root-and-branch review of the entire sector - that includes looking at regulation and the regulator."
The review is designed to tackle systemic problems and secure the infrastructure needed to meet future challenges, drive economic growth and clean up Britain's rivers, lakes and seas, the governments said.
Ministers say its recommendations, which will be handed to them in the second quarter of next year, will form the basis of further legislation to attract long-term investment and clean up the country's polluted waterways and coasts.
Water companies want to increase bills
Fresh figures released by Ofwat on Tuesday showed water companies have asked to hike consumer bills by even more than they originally requested, despite attempts by the watchdog to curb bill increases.
The latest requests by water firms would see the average bill in England and Wales grow by 40% by 2030, rising to £615 per year.
Many argue that they need to spend more on upgrading their pipes, sewers and reservoirs than originally planned.
Ofwat is due to make a final decision on bills increases on December 19, with companies going to the negotiating table with regulators between now and then.
Oxfordshire’s provider, Thames Water, is in emergency talks over a £15 billion debt pile and a worsening financial situation, has asked for a 53% rise.