Yorkshire Water Scheme Fails River Ure Goal

Yorkshire Water has acknowledged that a £1.5 million initiative to curb storm overflow discharges into the River Ure has not achieved its anticipated outcomes. Announced in 2024, the investment was projected to reduce discharges by approximately 75%.

However, the company reported that discharges from its Clock Tower combined sewer overflow near Ripon decreased from 75 in 2021 to 43 in 2025. This represents a reduction of roughly 43%, significantly below the initial target. Yorkshire Water deemed this result "disappointing."

A spokesperson for the water company noted that comparisons between individual years can be misleading due to varying rainfall levels. They stated that 2025 was particularly dry, which naturally decreased discharges. Therefore, while a reduction occurred, the scheme did not perform as expected.

Combined sewer overflows are safety valves in sewer systems, designed to release excess wastewater and rainwater during heavy precipitation. This process prevents sewage backups into properties and streets. The Environment Agency permits such discharges under specific conditions.