Thames Water pumps 298,081 hours worth of sewage as Helen Maguire MP warns ‘Ofwat must go’

Last year, Thames Water pumped 298,081 hours worth of sewage into waterways, according to new data published this week. 

In Epsom & Ewell, residents are increasingly concerned about the spoiling of the Hogsmill and River Mole. The ‘Great’ conducted by Earthwatch Europe found 90% percent of the measurements recorded in the River Mole found unacceptable levels of healthy water - ranking it among the worst in the country.

Helen Maguire MP and her Liberal Democrat colleague Chris Coghlan MP have already written to Thames Water and the Environment Agency on a number of occasions to raise their serious concerns.

The Liberal Democrats are calling for the government to replace Ofwat with a new regulator with proper enforcement powers to hold water companies accountable and put a stop to the sewage scandal. 

Helen Maguire, Lib Dem MP for Epsom & Ewell said: 

”Here in Epsom & Ewell, residents are appalled by the disgusting sewage dumping in the Hogsmill and River Mole, all whilst facing sky-high water bills. 

“What’s happening to our local waterways is unacceptable, and Thames Water has got away with serious neglect for far too long.

“The Government should act now and introduce a new regulator that finally holds Thames Water to account and protects our waterways. Ofwat must go.

“I, alongside my Liberal Democrat colleagues, will continue to fight for measures that stop Thames Water customers paying more for a service that is simply not delivering for my  constituents in Epsom & Ewell.”