We’ve had the hottest summer on record, we’re seeing droughts and wildfires, and there’s a ban on hosepipes throughout much of the country. Such is the climate crisis. But did you know, even if you had your hosepipe on for 73 years, you’d only use as much water as Thames Water wastes thanks to creaking infrastructure in a single day?
According to GMB Union, which has campaigned for water to be brought back into public hands, you could have had your hosepipe on constantly since before the Queen was on the throne and you still wouldn’t have used as much as Thames Water wastes in 24 hours.
As of August 24, Thames Water has enforced a hosepipe ban on 15 million customers due to droughts. But the union has pointed out that the water company loses 635 million litres in leaks every single day – enough to fill 245 Olympic-sized swimming pools or fill 8 million baths.
Water companies are privatised companies that earn significant profits. GMB said that last year, Thames Water handed its directors more than £4 million, with the highest paid director pocketing £1.5 million.
This is why they want water to be nationalised. Andy Prendergast, the GMB’s national secretary, said: ‘Instead of spending money to fix the leaky infrastructure, they’re showering directors with eye-watering sums.
‘It’s jaw-dropping incompetence and greed. Privatising water has been a disastrous failed experiment, it’s time to bring this essential natural resource back into public hands.’
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