Thames Water’s CEO, Chris Weston, has defended the company’s executive bonuses even as it experiences a 40% rise in sewage pollution incidents and seeks a 59% increase in customer bills to manage its significant debt, which approached £16 billion. Weston argues that competitive pay is necessary to attract talent, despite previous regulatory concerns. The company faces critical decisions ahead, including a vital court ruling on a £3 billion cash loan and Ofwat’s upcoming decision on bill adjustments necessary for the firm’s survival.