Many thanks to Thames Water CEO Chris Weston and Jake Morley (Local Engagement Manager) for meeting with me and Councillor Jane Austin in Westminster this morning.
We covered both the wider challenges facing the company and specific performance and operational issues affecting residents across Godalming and Ash.
Thames Water continues to face significant uncertainty, with negotiations involving OFWAT and creditors still ongoing. Chris was very clear that wider political uncertainty is also contributing to difficulties in making long-term investment decisions and limiting the company’s ability to provide certainty on future investment plans.
I have consistently argued that entry into the Special Administration Regime (SAR) would be the worst outcome for our area. My concern remains that if investment decisions ultimately sit alongside competing national spending priorities, the result is likely to be less long-term investment locally rather than more.
One of the more interesting discussion points was me relaying my recent meeting with Peper Harow Fishing Club, where members shared compelling evidence demonstrating a decline in local trout numbers and raised concerns that increasing phosphate levels (from sewage) may be playing a role. I put this directly to Chris and appreciated the open and constructive dialogue and willingness to engage with concerns being raised locally. Thames Water agreed to take this away, review the evidence shared and report back to me.
Key local investment updates:
£46m West to East transfer pipeline (Guildford to Netley Mill Water Treatment Works) progressing well – completion currently expected December 2026.
Pewley Reservoir upgrades on track for September 2026.
Netley Mill upgrades remain on track for completion in 2027.
£35m Shalford Water Treatment Works upgrades continuing.
Alfold – following our recent meeting on site, Thames Water confirmed the pipe re-lining project is progressing and currently in the tendering phase. They advised they intend to move forward as soon as practicable and develop a clearer long-term plan for any future tankering arrangements, with further engagement planned with Alfold Parish Council.
Sewage / Cranleigh Water Treatment Works – detailed timings are still to be confirmed but upgrade works are currently expected to complete in 2028.
Current issues raised:
Chilworth burst – we discussed the recent burst, with repairs due to complete tomorrow and the road expected to reopen.
Cranleigh roadworks – we raised concerns from residents who have effectively found themselves hemmed in by Thames Water works in multiple directions, including mains replacement works causing the Knowle Lane closure and pipe replacement works along Guildford Road. While the projects themselves are progressing, the cumulative impact of prolonged traffic disruption is significant.
Dunsfold – we discussed concerns around sewer capacity. Thames Water advised it is continuing investigations, including through the use of monitoring devices within the network (including the intriguingly named “sewer balls”).
Together with my team, I remain in touch with Thames Water on a daily basis.
This is a very troubled company, but regardless of wider uncertainty we need to make sure our area gets the investment, service standards and urgent attention residents expect and deserve.
