Councillors Vow to Tackle "Heartbreaking" Pollution Crisis in York's Rivers

As of November 12th, 2025, councillors in York have taken significant steps to address the city's ongoing pollution crisis in its rivers. Data presented at a recent council meeting showed that spills from wastewater storm overflows into the River Ouse in and around York lasted a total of 24,872 hours in 2024, a sharp increase from the more than 16,000 hours recorded in 2023.

Describing the situation as "heartbreaking," Dr. John Wilkinson of the University of York revealed that the Foss River is currently the most polluted waterway across Europe for pharmaceutical contaminants. In response, a motion put forward by City of York Council's Jenny Kent calls for the implementation of laws mirroring strict EU pollution rules, as well as a ban on so-called "forever chemicals" that linger in water systems.

The motion, which was backed by a majority of elected members on Thursday, also demands significant investment in the country's aging sewage and drainage infrastructure, along with measures to limit the amount of wastewater being discharged into local rivers. As Dr. Wilkinson noted, "Our rivers are a reflection of York, and pollution reflects the many pressures of modern life. The motion represents a vital step in looking to the future."

While the Conservatives suggested several local measures, including the creation of sustainable drainage systems and public awareness campaigns, opposition parties argued that broader policy changes and corporate accountability are necessary to address the root causes of the pollution crisis.