MINISTERS were urged to act today after an investigation revealed Thames Water’s supply of water to its 16 million customers is “on a knife-edge.”

Britain’s biggest water supplier has £23 billion assets in urgent need of repair following failures to address safety concerns, a culture of intimidation among staff and much-needed upgrades to  IT systems, according to the Guardian.

GMB national officer Gary Carter said: “Previous owners have left Thames Water in a perilous state — no-one will be surprised by the latest revelations. 

“Thames needs committed long-term investment just to keep operating, never mind stop the leaks and cut the sewage spills. 

“If that investment isn’t forthcoming then the government must act fast and put Thames into special administration. 

“Ministers can’t sit back and watch the car crash.”

Thames Water has been at the centre of growing public outrage over the extent of pollution, rising bills, high dividends, and executive pay and bonuses at Britain’s privatised water firms.

The spokesman for the company, which is more than £16 billion in debt, said: “The wellbeing and safety of our colleagues and customers is our highest priority.”

The firm denied claims it had experienced cyber-attacks after sources said it had been targeted by groups affiliated with hostile states including Russia, with its key data still managed on obsolete software that dates to 1989. 

A spokesperson for the water regulator Ofwat said the investigation raised “serious allegations about Thames Water. 

“We will take action if there is evidence of breach of the company’s obligations.

“It is of course essential that all water companies provide a safe and reliable water supply.”