What is the current state of pollution in York's rivers?

According to the article, the situation in York's rivers is described as "heartbreaking," with the Foss River being the most polluted river across Europe for pharmaceutical contaminants.

What measures are York's councillors taking to address the pollution crisis?

The councillors have backed a motion that calls for laws mirroring EU pollution rules, a ban on "forever chemicals," and investment in the country's sewage and drainage infrastructure to limit wastewater discharge.

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

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

Q: How severe is the pollution in the River Ouse?

Data presented at the 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 significant increase from the more than 16,000 hours recorded in 2023.

12 Nov

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Summary

Spills from wastewater overflows into River Ouse lasted 24,872 hours in 2024
Foss River most polluted in Europe for pharmaceutical contaminants
Motion calls for laws mirroring EU rules, ban on "forever chemicals"

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.