New annual figures just released put Ilkley towards the bottom of 450 sites regularly used by swimmers throughout the summer which are tested by the Environment Agency.
These tests monitor for sources of pollution known to be a risk to bathers’ health, specifically E. coli and intestinal enterococci.
Overall, 92% of bathing waters in England have met minimum water quality standards, with 85% of bathing waters nationally being rated as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’, however the Cromwheel on the River Wharfe at Ilkley is one of 37 sites rated as poor.
Prof Becky Malby, member of the Ilkley Clean River Group said:
“Yet again Ilkley Bathing Status is poor which means it is not safe for people to paddle, play and swim in our river.
“However, there is an end in sight. Four years after being awarded Bathing Status Ilkley is on the cusp of securing an improved water system that will ensure our river is fit for people and wildlife.
“Last year Yorkshire Water put in a huge new sewer to divert sewage from the Bathing Site to the sewage works. But to clean up the whole area we need better infrastructure.
“Ofwat has approved the funding, Yorkshire Water has made a plan for new storage tanks, an integrated wetland and better treatment of our sewage.
“We now wait for the Environment Agency to approve the plan so that our sewage can be treated and our river water quality can change from Poor quality to Sufficient in a few more years.
“Delays from the Environment Agency put at risk our Bathing Status, as without plans in place and spades in the ground, Ilkley will be de-designated in 2025. Defra is currently consulting on Bathing Status including changing the timescales for de-designation.
“Our view in Ilkley is that 5 years is enough time to put in place vital improvements to stop sewage pollution, but the constant arguments between the regulators and the water companies are slowing this down. It is shocking that the basic infrastructure to get clean water in our river is taking so long, and we are just the first.
“The inability of the water companies and regulators to recognise the pollution sources, and to put plans in place with any semblance of haste despite years of public outrage is disgraceful. Whilst Ilkley may eventually secure a clean-up, the rest of the country still waits.”
Speaking about results, the Government Water Minister, Emma Hardy said:
“These figures are unacceptable and show that too many of our popular swimming spots are polluted.
“That’s why we are placing water companies under special measures through the Water Bill, which will strengthen regulation including new powers to ban the payment of bonuses for polluting water bosses and bring criminal charges against persistent law breakers.
“This is just the start – we’ve launched the largest review of the water sector since privatisation to attract the investment we need and reform the water system to help clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.”
Mike Dugher, Deputy Director for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said:
“Across Yorkshire, 60% of our bathing waters are rated as Good or Excellent but any drops in quality are disappointing and must be addressed.
“There is still much more to be done to ensure cleaner and healthier waters for people to enjoy and action plans are in place for poor and sufficient classifications. We are committed to working with our key partners and water companies to improve water quality and investigate the problems faced at some of our important tourist destinations.”
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