Turkish Earthquake

THAMES WATER PLC
17 August 1999

                                                                      
                         EARTHQUAKE IN TURKEY
                                   
                                   
Thames  Water  has expressed its sympathy to the state authorities  in
the  area  affected by the Turkish earthquake.  It has  contacted  the
Governor  of  Kocaeli  and  the local mayor,  Sefa  Sirmen,  to  offer
assistance.

Thames Water is currently assessing the impact of the Izmit earthquake
on its staff and activities in the area.

The  exact  number of Thames Water staff affected is still not  clear.
Unfortunately, it does appear that some staff and their families  have
lost their lives or suffered injuries.

Bill  Alexander, Thames Water's Chief Executive, said 'We are  clearly
thinking  first  of  our staff.   This is already a  tragedy  for  the
people of Izmit and the surrounding area.'

'The  exact  extent of the human impact is not yet clear  and  we  are
working hard between Turkey and our headquarters in Reading to confirm
details and give every possible support.'

Thames  Water employs 12 British staff as part of its team  in  Izmit,
all  of  whom  are now safely accounted for.  A number  of  them  have
reported  to the plant, along with a few local staff, and  are  giving
every  assistance  to  the local villages, although  the  damage  does
appear to be extensive.

The  company  is working closely with the authorities to  re-establish
essential water supplies following a short shut down in order to check
treatment   works.   The  first  indications  are   that   the   water
infrastructure, in service since January this year, has  survived  the
earthquake intact and will be back in action very shortly.

Built in the area known to be at risk of earthquakes, all Thames Water
plant was designed and constructed to withstand such tragedies.

It  appears that although electricity supplies were lost in the  area,
Thames  Water's emergency generators have taken over at its plant  and
are  able to ensure the security of the system.  A further team is  on
its way to Turkey to provide further emergency assistance.

For further information please contact Thames Water's Press Office:
Nick Tennant 0118 939 9258 or Cathy Little 0118 959 3364.
http://www.thames-water.com/latest/lindex.html