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16
Mar 2023
Bacteria linked to sewage at ‘concerningly high’ levels in River Nidd
Recent testing of water pollution in the River Nidd has shown the harmful bacteria E. coli is at ‘concerningly high’ levels.
The testing is taking place to support a campaign to clean up the river so a section of it can eventually be designated Bathing Water Status.
This would mean people could enjoy wild swimming in the river by the Knaresborough Lido caravan park without falling ill.
Currently in England, only two rivers, including a section of the River Wharfe in Ilkley, have achieved the status.
Scientists say E. coli in water is a strong indicator of sewage or animal waste contamination and consuming it can lead to severe illness.
Last week in the House of Commons, MPs said raw sewage and micro plastics in the UK’s rivers were putting health and nature at risk.
The campaign in the Harrogate district is gathering momentum and is being led by Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, who secured a debate on the topic in Parliament in November.
Anglers and other concerned groups have set up Nidd Action Group and a meeting was held in Knaresborough this week about how to clean up the river.
A cross-party working group of councillors has also formed to help tackle the problem.
Cllr Monika Slater, Liberal Democrat councillor for Bilton Grange and New Park, updated councillors at North Yorkshire County Council's Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee today about how the campaign is going.
She said several councillors attended the Nidd Action Group meeting, adding:
Cllr Slater said anglers as well as scientists at the University of Leeds are testing the river once a month for pollutants and have found that E. coli is at “concerningly high” levels.
Read more:
- Campaign launched to achieve bathing water status on River Nidd
- Andrew Jones MP ‘confident’ of achieving bathing water status for River Nidd
- Harrogate and Knaresborough MP to ‘submit case’ for River Nidd bathing water status in 2023
Testing will be increased to every fortnight from May 15, which is the beginning of the bathing season.
Earlier in the meeting, councillors heard from Sarah Robinson, corporate affairs advisor at Yorkshire Water.
Ms Robinson gave details about the scale of the problem in the Nidd and what the company is doing to improve its infrastructure.
Water companies are allowed to release sewage into rivers when the sewerage system is at risk of being overwhelmed, such as during heavy rainfall, through what are called storm overflows.
Ms Robinson said Yorkshire Water had 2,221 storm overflows during 2022 — a figure that is down slightly on last year’s number.
She said the company is set to spend up to £39 million by the end of the decade to improve its infrastructure in Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Ms Robinson added:
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