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31
Aug 2023
River Nidd sampling reveals high levels of faecal bacteria
A major water sampling operation along the length of the River Nidd has revealed high levels of the faecal bacteria E.coli.
Dozens of volunteers tested water quality at 45 locations on August 3 as part of an ongoing clean-up campaign.
Analysis of the results has now revealed high levels of E.coli, which can cause illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhoea, along the Nidd and "extremely high levels" at some points — especially the beck tributaries.
Volunteers conduct sampling at Oak Beck this month.
A second round of water sampling is due to take place next month before a formal bid is submitted to the government to designate bathing water status on the Nidd.
If accepted, agencies will be obliged to undertake measures to clean the Nidd, as has happened on the River Wharfe in Ilkley.
David Clayden, chairman of Nidd Action Group, which is coordinating the sampling, said:
Volunteers involved in the project to test Nidd water quality.
Knaresborough bathing levels
The results showed in the upper catchment, down to Birstwith, the concentrations of E. coli were much lower than in the middle and lower catchment.
E.Coli concentrations rose below Killinghall sewage treatment works and stayed high, with the most extreme value at Nidd viaduct, below the confluence of Oak Beck and the River Nidd.
Knaresborough sampling locations had concentrations well above the levels deemed sufficient for inland bathing water. Reports of bathers around Knaresborough Lido falling ill played a major role in prompting the campaign.
The tributaries in the middle and lower Nidd catchment all had particularly high concentrations of E.coli - Ripley Beck, Oak Beck and Crimple Beck. Bilton Beck was extremely high.
Mr Clayden said besides next month's second round of testing, "many more local actions" were being planned to provide improved information to help look after our river. He added:
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