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Harrogate MP warns 'OFWAT must go' after Yorkshire Water dumps 430,263 hours of sewage

Wednesday, 2 April 2025 07:33

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Newly released data has revealed that Yorkshire Water pumped 430,263 hours’ worth of sewage into waterways last year – including into the River Nidd.

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon said that residents are “increasingly frustrated” as the River Nidd, a cherished local landmark and summer hotspot, continues to be polluted.

The Knaresborough Lido, a popular section of the river that attracts locals and tourists alike, is also still rated ‘poor’ for water quality, making it unsafe for swimming.

The news that Yorkshire Water has been pumping hundreds of thousands of hours’ worth of sewage into our waterways, comes just a few weeks after Yorkshire Water hiked water bills by 29%.

Tom Gordon claimed that Ofwat is “failing to hold water companies accountable” and allowing them to dump sewage into waterways unchecked.

He said:

“Here in Harrogate and Knaresborough, residents are appalled by what’s happening to the River Nidd - all whilst facing sky-high water bills.

“The Government should act now to get a new regulator in place to protect British rivers and seas from being pumped with disgusting sewage. Ofwat must go.

“I and the Liberal Democrats will continue to protect the River Nidd and fight for much tougher regulation of a water industry which is profiting from pollution.”

Tom has met with both Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency this year and said he will “continue to do all that he can” to see our rivers cleaned up.

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