Kevin Hollinrake MP, Member of Parliament for Thirsk and Malton, visited Yorkshire Water’s Carthorpe wastewater treatment works to see a £3.3m project improving river health. The scheme uses electrocoagulation technology to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering Holme Beck through treated wastewater. This innovative approach is less carbon-intensive than traditional chemical treatments and offers a sustainable solution for water management.
Phosphorus, found in domestic sewage from shampoos and detergents, can also enter water through agricultural runoff and soil erosion. While small amounts are essential for ecosystems, excess levels can harm wildlife and biodiversity. The Carthorpe project is part of a £500m investment by Yorkshire Water to cut phosphorus levels and improve river quality across the region.
Kevin Hollinrake MP said:
"Visiting Yorkshire Water’s Carthorpe site was a great opportunity to see their innovative work to improve water quality in Holme Beck. Projects like this are vital for enhancing water quality and supporting local ecosystems. The £500m commitment to improving watercourses is a significant boost and I will continue to work with Yorkshire Water and local groups to protect our environment."
Andy Wilmer, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said:
"The project at Carthorpe is one of many schemes we have worked on as part of our £500m phosphorus-reduction initiative. Once complete, the water quality in Holme Beck will improve and support thriving local wildlife. It was a pleasure to host Kevin Hollinrake MP and explain the importance of this work."
The Carthorpe project will be completed this month. Yorkshire Water is also working on a £4m nature-based solution at Thornton-Le-Beans to reduce phosphorus entering the River Wiske, highlighting its commitment to improving watercourses.
Improving Bathing Water Quality in Yorkshire
Today, the Environment Agency published its annual bathing water classifications based on a four-year average.
Nearly three-quarters of Yorkshire’s beaches are now rated ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. In the constituency, Reighton has improved from ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ while Filey remains ‘good’. Yorkshire Water is working with the Bathing Water Partnership to address these challenges and improve bathing water quality and as this work progresses, Kevin will continue working with Yorkshire Water and local authorities on water quality and environmental protection.
