Thames Water has received a record £20.3 million fine for
water pollution. The fine is ten times higher than the previous
largest fine of £2 million (given to Southern Water in
December 2016).
The company pleaded guilty to offences involving the release of
untreated effluent into the River Thames at six sites in
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire in 2013 and 2014. Factors which
contributed to the severity of the fine included the killing of
fish, impacts on health for people and animals, effects on nature
reserves and wildlife, and other environmental damage.
The judge at Aylesbury Crown Court used the Environmental
Offences Definitive Guideline to calculate the fine. The Guideline
advises a maximum fine of £3 million for large companies
(those with turnover over £50 million per year). However, for
"very large companies", those whose turnover greatly
exceeds £50 million, judges have discretion to move outside
the fine ranges set in the Guideline. Thames Water's
