Thames Water ranked worst supplier in England as firms’ ratings hit record low

Untreated sewage being spilled into the River Thames. Photograph: Ambrosiniv/Alamy

England’s water company ratings have fallen to the lowest level on record after sewage pollution last year hit a new peak, with eight of nine water companies rated as poor and needing improvement by the Environment Agency.

The cumulative score of only 19 stars out of a possible 36 is the lowest since the regulator began auditing the companies using the star rating system in 2011.