Thames Water, the UK’s largest water company, has lifted the lid on what goes on behind the scenes in a two-part observational documentary which will air on BBC 2 on Monday 17th and 18th March.

Filmed over six months, the episodes follow some of the 8000 Thames Water colleagues as they navigate the financial position of the business, work to improve company performance and reveal the day to day challenges when working on the front line and in the public eye.

With exclusive access inside Thames Water, this is the story of Britain’s most beleaguered water company as it battles for survival.

Filmed over six make-or-break months, Episode one follows new CEO Chris Weston and his executive team as they try desperately to plug the 15 billion pound hole in the company’s finances.

They are months away from running out of cash. Thames Water says there is only one solution - a huge increase in customer bills. But can it persuade the regulator Ofwat - and the public - to agree to this?

Meanwhile, in one of the country’s largest sewage works, Josh and his team try to stop sewage flowing into the River Thames. And there's a meeting with the campaigners who are watching the company's every move.

In Episode two, he company reaches a crisis point. There are storms closing in, and flood waters spell trouble for the already-stretched company.

Tessa Fayers, Wastewater & Bioresources Director appointed in July 2024, has major concerns about creaking infrastructure and the ability to stop serious pollutions and multimillion-pound fines.

Meanwhile, CEO Chris Weston seeks emergency measures to keep the company afloat. Now only weeks away from running out of cash and with the company’s credit rating reduced to junk status, can he find anyone willing to bail Thames Water out?

With increased attention on river health the episodes aim to educate the public on the complexity of ensuring our rivers are clean while ensuring the company delivers reliable waste water services to its 16 million customers. It also shows the dangers of sewer abuse as part of Thames Water’s “bin it don’t block it” campaign.

Thames Water: Inside the Crisis airs on BBC Two at 9pm on Monday 17 March and Tuesday 18 March and will be available here on BBC iPlayer.