On Tuesday afternoon, Sixth Form Geography and Economics students were treated to a compelling lecture from Dave Wallace, an environmental scientist, campaigner, and long‑standing advocate for cleaner waterways. His talk offered a thought‑provoking insight into the complexities and challenges facing the UK water industry today.
Mr Wallace began by outlining the history behind the privatisation of UK water companies, a policy introduced under Margaret Thatcher. He explained the economic rationale at the time, before highlighting how, in practice, privatisation has led to mounting concerns. These include rising household bills, significant profits directed towards shareholders rather than reinvested into local services, and growing levels of company debt. As a result, infrastructure has suffered from under‑investment, with serious consequences for water quality and the wider environment.
Students were particularly struck by the scale of the national issue. Mr Wallace shared eye‑opening statistics, such as the 301,091 sewage spills recorded in 2022 and the challenges many UK rivers face with elevated e‑coli levels. For a school based on the River Thames, the discussion provided a meaningful real‑world context, helping students understand how national environmental issues relate to local waterways in a broader, educational sense.
The talk also highlighted Mr Wallace’s hands‑on commitment to improving local water quality. He regularly conducts e‑coli and water‑condition testing in the Henley area and supports community initiatives focused on river protection and waste removal.
Overall, students found the session both informative and inspiring. The lecture not only deepened their understanding of environmental and economic issues surrounding UK water management but also provided valuable case‑study material to draw upon in their A‑Level exams.
