The author, Jenny Jones, a Green Party peer, expresses her frustration with Thames Water's pollution of Britain's rivers and coastlines. She argues that the water company is profiting from pollution while failing to fulfill its duties, such as fixing leaks and building reservoirs. Jones believes that the government should nationalize water companies, as public opinion strongly favors this move, and that the cost of nationalization is significantly lower than the government claims. She also suggests that water bills should be adjusted to reflect the proportion of the bill that goes towards sewage treatment, rather than being a flat fee. Jones highlights the hypocrisy of constantly campaigning on the issue while paying the bill, and she encourages other bill-payers to stop paying to put pressure on the companies. She mentions a historical example of nonpayment against the poll tax, which led to government backing down. Jones also criticizes the water companies for discharging raw sewage, leaking water, and using hosepipe bans despite wet winters. She calls for holding the bosses accountable, prosecuting them for illegal dumping, and imposing community service. The author concludes by stating that she will continue her protest, despite the unpleasant letters and potential court case, as she believes it is important to stand up for environmental justice and self-respect.
