The UK government is ramping up plans to temporarily take Thames Water back into public ownership, according to Environment Secretary Steve Reed. He also made it clear that creditors hoping for reduced fines or penalties shouldn’t hold their breath—those requests are likely to be rejected.

Editor’s Note: Thames Water’s financial struggles have been a headache for years, and this move signals the government’s unwillingness to let the company—or its creditors—off the hook. For customers, it could mean more stability (at least in the short term), but it also raises bigger questions about how Britain’s aging water infrastructure should be managed. Not exactly a feel-good story, but one that affects millions of bills and taps.