Knaresborough Lido: Two Years On, Water Quality Still 'Poor'

Knaresborough Lido officially achieved designated bathing status in May 2024, marking a significant milestone after over two years of campaigning by the Nidd Action Group (NAG). However, two years into this designation, the water quality at the Lido is officially rated as 'poor'. NAG's chair, David Clayden, expressed that this outcome was almost expected, noting that improvements often take years to be incorporated into water companies' long-term plans.

The designation mandates annual water quality testing by the Environment Agency. Despite this, the situation at Knaresborough is not unique, as 12 out of 14 official river bathing sites in England currently have 'poor' water quality ratings. NAG is collaborating with universities on enhanced monitoring for emerging threats like pharmaceuticals, 'forever chemicals', and microplastics, seeking a clearer plan for improvement.

Yorkshire Water has appointed Sir Robert Goodwill to chair the Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership, which includes the Environment Agency and campaign groups. The company is investing over £10 million in storm overflows within 5km of Knaresborough Lido and has ongoing projects for a £1.5bn program to reduce sewage discharges across Yorkshire. A £7.5 million scheme to reduce phosphorus at the Knaresborough treatment works is also underway.

The Environment Agency is actively investigating the complex water quality challenges in the Nidd catchment. Through continuous and intensive sampling, they aim to identify bacteria sources to implement targeted interventions and bolster regulatory inspections of sewage sites and agricultural holdings. These efforts, alongside initiatives like an agricultural advisor role to reduce farm run-off, aim to tackle the multifaceted issues impacting river water quality.