Struggling utility giant Thames Water has been hit with a record £122.7m fine by regulator Ofwat. The penalty has been handed down after the watchdog discovered widespread sewage failures at Thames Water, which was subject to the sector’s “biggest and most complex investigation”.

Britain’s biggest water company has been fined almost 123 million pounds or $166 million for releasing sewage into rivers and streams while paying dividends to its shareholders

The Government has announced 81 criminal investigations have been opened over sewage spills and other breachers since the general election