The company’s operating costs rose by £23 million as it sought to cope with increased demand and burst pipes this summer Toby Melville/ReutersProfits at Thames Water fell sharply in the first half of the year as the summer heatwave caused a surge in water demand and burst pipes. The water giant confirmed that it was in talks with the government over how to source critical chemicals needed to keep clean water flowing in the event of a “no-deal” Brexit but said that supplies would not run out. Thames Water is Britain’s largest water supplier and sewage remover, serving 15 million customers in London and the Thames Valley. It has been battling to improve its reputation after being criticised over poor performance and high dividend payouts to its shareholders. The privately owned company said yesterday that underlying pre-tax profits fell to £43 million in the six months to…

Source: The Times December 07, 2018 00:00 UTC