Helping Yorkshire's rivers thrive
Everyone at Yorkshire Water want to see our rivers thriving. We know how critical our role is in helping make this happen for our environment and communities. As part of our ongoing river health plan and strategy, we are continuing to improve how quickly and efficiently we respond to any issues along our waterways.
What to do if you suspect river pollution
It’s really important that we know about potential river pollution events as soon as possible to help limit the potential impact on a water course. There are many risks our network faces on a daily basis, and you can learn more and report them here: Yorkshire Water - Report a problem
Signs of a suspected pollution in rivers, water courses or coastal areas could include:
- The appearance of toilet paper, tissues, wipes, faecal matter, personal care items such as sanitary wear
- A river or stream appearing to look cloudy or milky
- The appearance of soap suds or foam
- The presence of a slimy grey sewage fungus
- Dead or gasping fish
- Noticeable sewage odour.
If you've spotted pollution in a water course, please call us on 0800 138 3484 or visit Yorkshire Water - Report a problem so that we can investigate as a priority. We will need to know where you saw the suspected pollution, the kind of pollution witnessed, when and if it is still present. We always aim to investigate pollution reports within 2 hours, and report confirmed pollutions to the Environment Agency.
Yorkshire is rich in iron deposits from disused mines which can make the water look orange. This is natural and not harmful. Similarly, sediment moving downstream can make the water look discoloured and cloudy during heavy rainfall. This is also not a pollution, however can be a cause for concern if identified on a dry day or near building developments.
Yorkshire River Watch
We’re working hard to improve the health of Yorkshire’s rivers and we need your help!
If you are part of a formal rivers trust or your action group is already working with our River Health Improvement Team, we would really appreciate your help with identifying any problems along our rivers or on our assets by using our new River Watch App. This may include reporting any issues about the health of Yorkshire’s rivers, like discolouration, odour and sewage.
To use our River Watch App, first head to your App or Google Play Store. Download the ArcGIS Survey123 app.
Then, in the camera of your smartphone, follow this QR code to open Yorkshire River Watch:
The survey can be filled in anonymously and will ask you about weather conditions, discolouration and odour of the river. You'll then be able to upload a photo of anything you've seen.
Finally, you will be able to upload photos and videos to show us what's happening.
Try to capture:
- Upstream (of the observation)
- Downstream (as far as any impact can be seen)
- A wide view to help us understand the wider context of the impact on the watercourse.
Why is this important?
Polluted water can reduce dissolved oxygen and increase ammonia and phosphate levels, which can damage the river environment. The earlier we know about issues on our network, the sooner we can get them fixed.
Concerned about storm overflows in your area?
Storm overflows are an essential part of our sewerage network which relieve pressure at peak flow times to prevent the system backing up and flooding homes and gardens. However we are investing heavily to reduce discharges from our storm overflows and always work within permits provided by the Environment Agency.
You can view our near real-time Event Duration Monitoring map here.
By adding reports to our Yorkshire River Watch App, both when you do have concerns or when everything looks healthy, this helps us to build a picture of what to expect along your local waterway, and what is abnormal and therefore needs further investigation.
How else can you help?
- Stop the Block
- Use Watersafe Plumbers. This can help prevent misconnections, which occur when appliances like washing machines or toilets are wrongly plumbed into surface water sewers. This then travels untreated to the rivers through outfalls which cause pollution.
- Report any suspected pollution to 0800 138 3484