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Yorkshire Water admits £1.5m sewage reduction scheme in Ripon falls short
Overview
Yorkshire Water has acknowledged that a £1.5m scheme launched in 2024 to reduce storm overflow discharges into the River Ure in Ripon has not performed as expected. The project aimed to cut discharges by about 75%, but the number of recorded discharges from the Clock Tower combined sewer overflow only fell from 75 in 2021 to 43 in 2025, a reduction of roughly 43%. The company described the outcome as disappointing, noting that fluctuating rainfall levels complicate year-on-year comparisons. Meanwhile, local campaigners and Green Party representatives have raised concerns regarding ongoing pollution levels and requested further performance data.
Key points
- Yorkshire Water admitted its £1.5m Ripon River Ure sewerage scheme fell short of its target to reduce storm overflow discharges by 75%.
- Recorded discharges from the Clock Tower combined sewer overflow dropped from 75 in 2021 to 43 in 2025, marking a reduction of about 43%.
- The water company called the result disappointing, citing that 2025 was a particularly dry year which influenced the decrease.
- Campaign groups and the North Yorkshire Green Party have expressed strong concerns over river pollution levels and requested further performance details via Environmental Information Regulations.
- Yorkshire Water stated it is investigating additional projects in Ripon as part of a wider £1.5bn investment programme.