However, he said it was important that Londoners are not forced to “bail out” Thames Water. Other mayors signalled their support for public ownership and urged Burnham to set out his plans. Amy Fairman, head of campaigns at River Action said Burnham should set out plans to put water companies into a Special Adiministration Regime, starting with Thames Water. “The Prime Minister has promised greater public control over water companies. Meanwhile, nine water companies have introduced hosepipe bans to over 23 million people as the ongoing drought depletes England’s water supply.