Thames Water has announced plans to tackle future water shortages by transferring millions of litres a day from the River at Teddington and replacing it with treated sewage.
Responding to these plans, Munira said:
“Like many of my constituents across Twickenham and Teddington, I am deeply concerned about these plans.
Of course we need to future-proof our water supply. But there is a fundamental issue here around trust. People just don’t trust the water companies, and for good reason. Thames Water already have a terrible record of protecting our rivers – regularly leaking raw sewage into our rivers and losing 630 million litres of water every day due to leaks. Meanwhile, in the last two years, their top execs were paid £6.1 million, including £2.9 million in bonuses.
The River Thames is woven into the fabric of our community. From Eel Pie Island to Teddington Lock, to the shores of the White Swan pub and the crossing at Hammertons Ferry – the river is a beloved and precious resource that must be protected.
“The Government needs to get its act together and force water companies to act in a responsible way, and these latest plans must be thoroughly scrutinised.”
Munira has already raised this issue with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs through a Written Parliamentary Question, asking the Secretary of State what assessment her department has made of the proposals, including specifically on its impact on biodiversity and water quality.
You can listen to Munira’s interview with Radio Jackie here, and read the Nub News article here.
Residents can submit their views in the public consultation process, which runs until 21 March.
Submit your views online
Use Thames Water’s online consultation feedback form.
Write to Thames Water by e-mail or post
E-mail: consultation@thames-wrmp.co.uk
Post: Freepost, Thames Water WRMP Consultation
Write to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
E-mail: water.resources@defra.gov.uk
Post: Defra Water Resources Management Plan Water Services, Seacole 3rd Floor, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1 P 4DF