World news | The Guardian
Thames Water creditors to vote on emergency £2.4bn loan as cash runs low 29 October 2026 at 08:00

Thames Water creditors to vote on emergency £2.4bn loan as cash runs low

29 October 2026 at 08:00

Campaigners say costly new funds will lead to higher bills, which company denies

A group of creditors to troubled Thames Water are poised to vote on whether to grant an emergency £2.4bn loan to keep the company afloat, as campaigners raise concerns it could add £40 to each household’s bills in interest alone.

A consortium of creditors, called London & Valley Water, will vote on Thursday on whether to increase a funding facility for the debt-laden utility company to £5.4bn to keep it operating to autumn 2027.

The Guardian
Thames Water creditors to vote on emergency £2.4bn loan as cash runs low 29 October 2026 at 08:00

Thames Water creditors to vote on emergency £2.4bn loan as cash runs low

The Guardian

By: Helena Horton

29 October 2026 at 08:00

Campaigners say costly new funds will lead to higher bills, which company denies

A group of creditors to troubled Thames Water are poised to vote on whether to grant an emergency £2.4bn loan to keep the company afloat, as campaigners raise concerns it could add £40 to each household’s bills in interest alone.

A consortium of creditors, called London & Valley Water, will vote on Thursday on whether to increase a funding facility for the debt-laden utility company to £5.4bn to keep it operating to autumn 2027.

World news | The Guardian
Menindee Lakes water levels drop to lowest in five years as experts warn of mass fish deaths 28 October 2026 at 17:00

Menindee Lakes water levels drop to lowest in five years as experts warn of mass fish deaths

World news | The Guardian

By: Lisa Cox Environment and climate correspondent

28 October 2026 at 17:00

NSW government imposes water restrictions after Menindee water volumes fall below 2021 levels

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Water levels at the Menindee Lakes in western New South Wales have fallen to their lowest point in five years, prompting the state government to impose upstream water use restrictions as experts warn of potential mass fish deaths over summer.

Combined volume at the Menindee Lakes fell below 480 gigalitres earlier this month, the first time since 2021.

The Guardian
Sea of crimson: vivid ‘red beach’ transforms China’s wetlands and marshes – in pictures 28 October 2026 at 09:00

Sea of crimson: vivid ‘red beach’ transforms China’s wetlands and marshes – in pictures

The Guardian

By: Guardian Staff

28 October 2026 at 09:00

A striking transformation takes place along the coast of Qinqdao in autumn, when a native seepweed turns a brilliant shade of red.

The ‘red beach’ phenemon can be seen in the salt marshes and wetlands on the coast of China’s Shandong province, where the Suaeda glauca plant matures and absorbs water, changing it from green to crimson between September and November