United Utilities Share Price (UU.)

Recent discussion in various quarters about sewage emergency overflow and the perceived difficulties remind me of the halcyon days of fishing in the Thames estuary near the Towers (about 4 miles east of Southend pier) in a boat.

On a calm day on the ebb tide we would see the Bovril Boats (sewage carrying vessels - usually two) which sailed further out to sea and discharged as I recall 20000 tons each of sewage from London. On the flood tide later we would see on a calm day a brown line stretching across the estuary (5 miles at that point) which drifted slowly back towards London.

I often felt this contributed to the excellent quality of the eels and shellfish in the area.

The removal of sewage particularly following storm overflow will be assisted by the new huge main now completed across London. Perhaps with the wartime PLUTO in mind an extension could be added similar to the oil rig connections to run the problem much further out to sea for use only in extreme conditions? The final answer must surely be to build further sewage farm capacity or perhaps add two extra sealable containers for council collection as in times past. Just a thought .

According to press today the commencement of private court action against 5 companies including UU will commence in September. If upheld (certification of the complaint) it could be 3 years before any fines are made. Ofwat is monitoring but Thames is not included at this stage! My thoughts are that as UU has already made provision for millions to upgrade an already utility leading service and notification of sewage spills have apparently followed the OFWAT guidelines which allow companies to grade the leaks themselves the possibility of sanction or fines seems remote. Any thoughts anyone?

It seems that the possible demise of Thames Water and likely losses for equity and possibly bond holders, is feeding through even to well managed companies like UU.

Think labour's bark worse than their bite

Coming possible recession makes these shares a good buy as more or less immune

Has there been an approach? What's behind the climb?