Water polluters in Yorkshire: the spillages costing people their health and leisure

A £47 million fine given this month to Yorkshire Water highlights the shocking levels of pollution currently being discharged into our rivers. The fine has been described as a wakeup call for companies such as Yorkshire Water. 

Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority that was investigating Yorkshire Water alongside Thames Water and Northumbrian Water found that Yorkshire Water on average had been discharging untreated wastewater across rivers in the region for around seven hours a day in 2023.

Particularly worrisome is the findings relating to a popular beach destination in Yorkshire. Ilkley beach beside the River Wharfe, a popular summer beauty spot, was found to have the highest levels of untreated sewage anywhere in the UK. The condition of its water posed a potential serious risk to an individual’s overall health.

How is untreated sewage ending up in the rivers?

It was found that over half of Yorkshire Water’s storm overflows were in breach of its regulations in 2023. Storm overflows are designed to be used by water companies where there have been excess levels of wastewater to prevent the occurrence of floods. Yet through investigations into these companies’ practices, it appears companies are discharging water more frequently than is expected.

Ofwat reported that Yorkshire Water’s practices are contributing to the harm of both its customers and the environment. It stated Yorkshire Water had not been upgrading its assets where required and was taking a slow approach in rising to its obligations in the limitation of pollution being caused by its storm overflows.

Residents say Ilkley Pool and Lido, which are separate from the beach, attracts crowds of up to 2,000 people. It is estimated however that a similar number of people still wade into water at Ilkley beach where sewage was detected.

River Keeper Andy Robson from Boston Spa believes people are unaware of the levels of pollution in the River Wharfe. Andy supplies monthly readings to the Angling Trust from the same spot in the River Wharfe and would urge people not to swim in the river. He says that anglers are advised to use antibacterial hand gel. One angler who swallowed river water whilst fishing reportedly became seriously ill with a bacterial infection which led to gastrointestinal issues.

This story is not dissimilar to that of dad Liam Hunter, who swam in the river at Ilkley beach with his son, resulting in them both experiencing upset tummies the following day.

Other spots with high levels of sewage

At Langthorne Sewage Treatment Works near Catterick in North Yorkshire, there were 259 reports of wastewater spillages in 2023. More broadly, according to the Environment Agency in 2023 there were 3.6 million hours of spills in comparison to 1.75 million hours in 2022. In 2023 Yorkshire accounted for 14 per cent of the country’s overall spills with 0.5 million hours. 

What should be done to improve the levels of pollution currently being pumped into the rivers?

In a bid to tackle the actions of the water companies, a new Bill is to be introduced to improve the powers of the water regulator, according to The King’s Speech 2024.

Sarah Moore, a partner in Leigh Day’s Leeds office, said:

“The latest data and fines levied against Yorkshire Water, indicate that the people of Yorkshire are being exposed to potential health hazards through sewage pollution. This situation has gone on long enough. The fines imposed may have some financial impact on Yorkshire Water, but they will do nothing to compensate individuals and businesses who may have been impacted directly by this pollution. It is time to hold polluters to account through legal action”.

Leigh Day’s work against water polluters

Leigh Day has a long history of protecting communities and individuals affected by water polluters. Currently Leigh Day is representing wild swimmer and environmental campaigner Jo Bateman against South West Water in Exmouth over claims Exmouth beach is unsafe to swim in due to the pollution in the water. Leigh Day is also pursuing an action against Cargill PLC, Avara Foods Ltd and Freemans of Newent Ltd on behalf of individuals affected by pollution in the River Wye in the Southwest.

Helping communities in the north

Through their offices in Leeds and Manchester, Leigh Day is now seeking to use its expertise and recent changes in the law to help communities across the north of England.

For those interested in finding out more please use the registration form here.