‘Appalling Increase’ in Thames Water Sewage Dumping, Says Guildford’s MP

Published on: 25 Apr, 2025
Updated on: 29 Apr, 2025

Guildford sewage treatment works at Slyfield. Picture: Thames Water

By Esme Campbell

Despite widespread criticism, the amount of sewage Thames Water released into local waterways more than tripled from 2023 to 2024, latest testing reveals.

Last year, the company discarded sewage into local water bodies on 94 separate occasions, totalling over 944 hours – the equivalent of 39 continuous days – according to figures from the Environment Agency.

This exceeds the 2023 figures by more than three times, which amounted to 38 separate times, spanning 300 hours.

Zöe Franklin. MP

Commenting on the data, Guildford MP Zöe Franklin said: “These latest figures are scandalous. The harm that Thames Water has caused to the waterways and countryside of Guildford and our villages is a disgrace.

“I was horrified to see the appalling increase in the amount of sewage dumped in our waterways, and [when] everyone in Guildford and our villages is seeing their water bills increase by 31 per cent, it is an even bigger insult.”

An average Thames Water bill will rise by £151 for the 2025/26 year. According to the company’s Statement of Significant Change, this is to account for inflation and an Infrastructure Provider Charge, among other things.

The Guildford MP criticised Thames Water for continuing to pay bonuses to senior executives and shareholders, while adding to its £19 billion debt.

Thames Water recently secured a £3 billion loan to avoid nationalisation.

“We are all seeing our bills going up,” Franklin continued. “And a third of what we pay is spent on repaying the interest on the company’s debt.”

A Thames Water spokesperson claimed the increase in sewage dumping was due to parts of their region receiving some of the wettest months in 250 years. This they said overwhelmed their sewage network, forcing diluted wastewater into rivers.

The spokesperson added: “While all untreated storm discharges are unacceptable, the sewage system was historically designed to prevent sewage backing up into people’s homes.”

They continued that Thames Water is committed to delivering a “record amount of investment” in old infrastructure over the next five years, including a new sewage treatment works in Guildford, “to meet the demands that come with population growth and climate change.”

Extra funding is essential in order to address customers’ concerns today and ensure the system is fit for the challenges of the future.”

ZERO Carbon Guildford, the local environmental charity, monitors water quality as part of its mission.

A spokesperson said: “We believe that everyone deserves access to clean, safe rivers – and right now, many people are feeling powerless about river health.

“Real change starts with informed communities and evidence-based decision-making—and we believe that better is possible.”

Zöe Franklin will be attending two community events organised by ZERO Carbon Guildford tomorrow, April 26.

As part of the GreatUKWaterBlitz, the charity is inviting people to participate in river water sampling, learn about river health and “help protect the places they love.”

“Thames Water’s environmental vandalism cannot be allowed to continue,” said Guildford’s MP.