THAMES Water has reported a rise in pollution incidents in recent months, attributing the rise to wet weather experienced through spring and summer.
In the six months leading up to September 30, the water supplier recorded a 40% increase in pollution incidents, amid continued criticism for its environmental impact.
In total, it noted 359 category one to three pollution incidents.
The company’s chief executive, Chris Weston, cited “record” rainfall and subsequent groundwater levels as a major contributing factor to the rise.
It comes as the company approaches the first of two important court appearances, the first of which takes place on December 17, where it will hope to secure extra funds to avoid running out of money.
While some creditors have already promised funding, the company is looking to secure £3bn to avoid temporary nationalisation as a result of rising debts.
If courts and creditors approve of extra funding, the deal proposed would allow the company to continue operating until October next year– without it, the company could default on its debts as soon as March.
It is also facing criticism from regulators as it was announced that staff would receive bonuses totalling £770,000, despite rising consumer bills.
Mr Weston said that the bonuses would “attract talent” to the company which would help solve its issues.
This week the company also announced that its net debts had grown to £15.8bn, and increase of more than £1bn since this time last year.
It has previously projected total debts of £19bn, and last week it received a buy-out bid worth £5bn from French investors Covalis Capital.
Their plans would see upfront funding of £1bn, with another £4bn raised from the selling of the company’s assets, and would reportedly see the UK government keep a share which would entitle it to protect the water provider.
Thames Water will attend a second court date in January before a decision is made on further funding.
