CWA COMMENTS ON THAMES WATER’S ONGOING CHALLENGES
22/04/2024
"As the Thames Water saga drags on, the company is ignoring its responsibility to keep our environment clean,” said Gordon Balmer Executive Director of the Car Wash Association, commenting on the latest Thames Water’s latest issues.
"CWA members have upgraded their car washes thereby continuing their sustainable efforts, setting them apart from unregulated hand car washes."
"We have pointed out to Thames Water that several non-compliant Hand Car Washes are operating in their area without the requisite permits to dispose of foul water and worse still, continuing to discharge car wash trade effluent into storm water drains. Failure to enforce this not only encourages operators to flout environmental laws but sadly, as we have seen, many of these operations are also guilty of ignoring basic employment laws and business taxes."
Balmer concluded: "The CWA urges Thames Water to prioritise environmental compliance and regulatory enforcement to protect public health, preserve the environment, and maintain the integrity of sewer infrastructure. It is crucial for Thames Water to adhere to the Water Industry Act 1991. Additionally, government support is critical to sustaining the environmental commitment and progress made by CWA members."
NOTES TO EDITORS
- Thames Water's plan to increase bills by 45% over the next five years, aiming to raise typical bills from £433 a year in 2024 to £627 by 2030. This move is part of a £20 billion plan to address leaks and sewage spills, which Thames Water hopes will help it avoid collapse and costly nationalisation.
- The Water Industry Act 1991 regulates various aspects of water and sewerage services in England and Wales. Compliance with the Water Industry Act 1991 is crucial to avoid penalties and ensure the contribution to environmental protection and public health.
- The Car Wash Association represents the major car wash operators and manufacturers of car washing equipment and suppliers. Originally established in 2007 by wash operators and industry suppliers and is now officially incorporated as part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI). It is a self-regulating not-for-profit industry body involved in the practice of setting quality and safety standards by promoting best practice and fair competition.
About Car Wash Association
The Car Wash Association was originally established in 2007 by wash operators and industry suppliers and is now officially incorporated as part of the Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMI).