Straight from the source: ‘Thames Unfiltered’ podcast tackles the big issues in river health

A new podcast series dives into the health of our rivers, produced by The Standard in association with Thames Water. 

The six-part series, Thames Unfiltered, launching on the 28th July, journeys along the River Thames from its source to the sea, to explore the past, present and future of one of Britain’s most vital natural assets. 

The series, presented by acclaimed business journalist and author Lucy Tobin, examines the Thames as both a symbol and a lifeline for London, reflecting the city’s environmental history from periods of severe pollution to significant recovery.  

It also revisits defining moments such as the Great Stink of 1858, when untreated sewage and industrial waste overwhelmed the Thames during a hot summer, creating an unbearable smell that brought parts of London to a standstill and forced the government to invest in a modern sewer system. The resulting infrastructure, designed by engineer Joseph Bazalgette, redirected waste away from central London and marked a turning point in improving public health.  

Today, the river faces renewed scrutiny amid mounting pressures from climate change, population growth and increasing demand for freshwater. 

The series brings together a compelling range of voices, from those living breathing and working on the Thames, professors and academics in ecology, experts at Thames Water alongside some of the industry's biggest critics each offering contrasting perspectives on the Thames today.  

The series also features Sir Peter Bazalgette, the great great grandson of Sir Joseph William Bazellgette, whose legacy continues to shape the story of the Thames today. 

Tessa Fayers, Director of Waste and Bioresources at Thames Water, said: 

"We’re incredibly proud to have collaborated with the Standard on Thames Unfiltered;, a series that brings together expert voices and compelling stories to explore the state of the River Thames, the challenges it faces, and the part we all have to play in its future. 

"The health of our rivers is a complex issue. Through this series, we will share knowledge in a fully transparent way to help people better understand the factors affecting river health.  We will also explore why protecting the Thames matters to communities, wildlife and future generations. That means confronting criticism and answering the difficult questions people want to ask.  

“By engaging openly with a range of perspectives and acknowledging the challenges we face, we hope to encourage informed discussion and build a deeper understanding of what it will take to improve the health of the Thames.

Lucy Tobin, journalist and host of Thames Unfiltered, said:

“The best part of working on Thames Unfiltered was visiting the unseen river - standing inside the industrial-chic ‘poo palace’ that is Abbey Mills Pumping Station, and seeing how Victorian engineering still keeps London moving today. The Thames is the lifeblood of this city, but our water system is creaking under the pressure of a surging population and systemic failures by its custodians. 

“The river is full of surprises: I never expected to find harbour seals and porpoises or learn that it’s supposed to be the murky colour of builders’ tea. Thames Unfiltered is the story of a river brought back to life after being declared biologically dead in 1957, but also a wake-up call about how seriously pollution and climate change are threatening the Thames’ future.

“By addressing critical questions about the river’s health and long-term sustainability, the series aims to highlight the challenges ahead and explore how the River Thames can be protected for generations to come.”