BBC NEWS | England | Berkshire | Company fined for its dirty water

BBC NEWS | England | Berkshire | Company fined for its dirty water: "Company fined for its dirty water
Thames Water has been fined �24,000 for supplying water unfit for human consumption to homes in Berkshire.

Magistrates in Reading heard how people living in Shinfield and Spencer's Wood, south of the town, received brown and orange-coloured water in May 2004.

Legal action was taken by the Drinking Water Inspectorate, which monitors water supply across England and Wales, after 38 complaints were received.

Thames Water said it had improved its pipe work since the incident.

'Iron sediment'

The company said the discolouration was caused by iron sediment, which had been disturbed by an increase in flow in the pipes.

A Thames Water spokeswoman said: 'We regret this incident and the inconvenience caused to our customers.'

The court heard that although the water was not dangerous, the fact it was dirty made it 'unfit'.

Thames Water admitted two counts of supplying water unfit for human consumption contrary to the Water Industry Act 1991.

The company was fined �12,000 for each offence and ordered to pay �7,800 costs.
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