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28
Jul 2022
Sickness outbreak prompts concerns River Nidd is not safe for swimming
Parents have expressed concerns about the safety of swimming in the River Nidd after a spate of children falling ill.
There have been widespread reports on social media of young people suffering sickness and diarrhoea since they went in the river to cool down during last week's heatwave.
Most of those affected had been in the water at Knaresborough.
Environment Agency figures revealed raw sewage was pumped into the Nidd for 16,713 hours last year. Parents say there should be more signs alerting people to danger.
Jennyfields mum Lisa Poole, whose three sons are still unwell 10 days on, said there is a public health risk that needs highlighting. She said:
The River Nidd at Knaresborough
Harrogate mum Julie Mills, who was among the first to highlight the issue on social media, agreed.
Her teenage daughter and three friends swam near Conyngham Hall last week. She said:
'Legitimate questions'
David Clayden, honorary secretary of Harrogate Fly Fishers' Club, said there were legitimate questions about water quality considering the amount of raw sewage being pumped into the Nidd.
He said the problem was exacerbated at times when the water level is low, such as now, when the river needed a good flush.
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The Stray Ferret asked Yorkshire Water, which treats water on the Nidd, if it was aware of an outbreak of sickness among river swimmers during the heatwave.
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire County Council, which is responsible for public health, said it wasn't aware of any issues.
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said it wasn't aware of any recent pollution incidents on the Nidd but advised people against swimming in rivers unless they were designated bathing areas.
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