Thames ranked worst as water firms' ratings hit record low

England's water company ratings have fallen to the lowest level on record after sewage pollution last year hit a new peak, with eight of nine water companies rated as poor and needing improvement by the Environment Agency.

- Helena Horton

The cumulative score of only 19 stars out of a possible 36 is the lowest since the regulator began auditing the companies using the star rating system in 2011.

Only one company, Severn Trent, achieved full marks. It did so despite having been responsible for 62,085 sewage spills, averaging seven hours each, in 2024.

Thames Water was the only company to be awarded one star for its performance. In 2023-24, its serious sewage pollution incidents more than doubled, from 14 to 33.

Thames is on the brink of collapse as the company struggles to secure a deal to write off its debt and secure its future. It has been battling huge debts built up over two decades by owners which have been criticised for paying out dividends without investing enough in its leaking pipes and malfunctioning treatment works.