We pay water companies to deliver and take away water. The latter costs more, why? What are 'surface water' charges.
Wastewater treatment costs far more than water supply because it involves extensive infrastructure for collection, treatment, sludge disposal and environmental compliance. Surface-water and highway drainage charges cover rainwater management.
Did Macquarie's ownership of Thames Water prioritise shareholder returns over long-term sustainability?
Macquarie owned Thames Water from 2006 to 2017, investing £11 billion in infrastructure while increasing debt to £11 billion and paying £879 million in dividends, sparking debate over priorities.
Treasury micromanagement is partly responsible for poor privatised utilities, but systemic failures run deeper
Treasury short-termism, weak regulation, privatisation without oversight, and foreign ownership prioritising dividends have combined to underinvest in water and rail infrastructure.
