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£5m project begins to improve River Nidd water quality

Friday, 25 September 2026 10:00

A group of swimmers in the River Nidd.

Work has begun on a project worth more than £5 million to improve water quality in the River Nidd.

Yorkshire Water is installing new equipment at Harrogate North wastewater treatment works, off Bachelor Gardens, to reduce the amount of phosphorus in treated wastewater.

The scheme is expected to benefit a 4.8km stretch of river downstream of the site, with all work due to be completed in late 2029.

Contract partners Ward & Burke will install a system using specialist chemicals and bacteria to remove phosphorus before treated wastewater is returned to the environment.

Phosphorus enters the sewer system through everyday products such as shampoo and liquid detergent. It can also reach waterways through soil and fertiliser run-off from agricultural land.

Although it is an essential nutrient in small amounts, excessive levels can encourage algae to grow, blocking sunlight and harming aquatic life.

Lizzie Robinson, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said:

“This project will result in significant reductions in Phosphorus levels going into the river Nidd, with a view to improving the overall water quality for 4.8km downstream of the works, as well improving the overall efficiency of the wastewater treatment site.

“Phosphorous reduction is an important part of our current investment plan – by 2030, we’ll have completed 85 projects in a £350m programme. Improving the health of our rivers is vitally important, and this is one way in which we can contribute.”

Alongside the phosphorus removal scheme, Hydro International will refurbish existing equipment at the treatment works.

That work is intended to improve the site’s operation, help it cope with increasing demand and extend the equipment’s service life.

Yorkshire Water says it invested £500 million in phosphorus removal during its previous five-year delivery period, reducing the amount in treated wastewater across Yorkshire by 68%.

The company is also planning a separate £20 million investment to reduce discharges from storm overflows into the River Nidd.

Ground investigations have recently begun in Harrogate town centre to explore potential solutions.

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