Thames Water has been taking enforcement actions against Ivo Textiles for violating the terms of their industrial waste agreement over the past four years.
Ivo Textiles was found to have been discharging unauthorized substances, including ammonia, heavy metals, and various materials, into the sewer system, jeopardizing the water company’s treated effluent and posing risks to its assets and the environment.
The water company collected samples in 2021 and 2022, which confirmed that the textiles and printing company had been committing sewer abuse.
Thames Water met with Ivo Textiles to encourage them to comply with waste disposal regulations, but the company continued to exceed the allowed levels, leading to legal action.
Ivo Textiles was prosecuted at Uxbridge Magistrates Court on May 20th and was fined over £71,000, including £62,000 in court fees and £11,270 to cover Thames Water’s legal costs. This comes four years after the initial sample was taken, underscoring the seriousness of exploiting the wastewater system.
Daniel Bourne, Thames Water’s trade effluent manager, said: “Sewer abuse is part of the everyday challenge we face to keep the sewers flowing to remove and treat customers’ wastewater. In the year 2023/24, 81% of blockages across our network were caused by items in the sewer which should have never been there in the first place. Controlling wastewater from industrial premises is critical to ensure we deliver life’s essential service and return clean water to our rivers.
“Our work to find and stop these offences helps us to maintain our sewer network and protect the environment. We will always look to work with individuals and companies to educate them on the effects sewer abuse has, but we will take legal action as a last resort where the risk is too high.”
Thames Water works to educate individuals and companies about the impacts of sewer abuse, but will take legal action as a last resort when the risk is too high.
Sewer abuse is a major issue for water companies, and they are urging customers and businesses to be responsible in their waste disposal practices.
Source :Thames Water
