Thames Water, Britain’s largest water company serving 16 million people across the south of England, is facing criticism over its management.
Thames Water’s parent company Kemble told creditors last week that it had defaulted on its debts. Amid concerns that the company may go bankrupt, the government is considering options for next steps.
The UK is one of the few countries in the world to have a completely private water system.
helena hortonThe Guardian’s environmental reporter says: hannah moore About the conflict between Thames Water shareholders and government regulator Ofwat. She explains why we see sewage in our rivers, leaks throughout the system, and why we could face water shortages this summer.
Photo: Dylan Martinez/Reuters





