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Inland Waterways and Rivers: Sewage

Asked by Gregory StaffordConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 9 July 2026UIN 900905

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with Thames Water on the prevention of sewage overflows into rivers and waterways.

Answered by Emma Hardy

Between April 2025 and April 2026, the Environment Agency carried out more than 850 inspections of Thames Water assets, identifying breaches and driving improvements through enforcement action.

We have also strengthened accountability, with Ofwat’s new executive remuneration rules now in force, resulting in Thames Water’s 2024-25 bonuses being banned.

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