East Riding Councillor points to a 123% increase in sewerage spill durations along the East Yorkshire Coast.
Sewerage Spill Durations in Yorkshire more than doubled last year.
That's according to data analysed by East Riding Councillor Philip Redshaw.
He says the data shows while the number of spills increased by 43 percent, the total duration of sewerage spills increased by much more.
Councillor Redshaw has raised concerns about the increasing number of sewage spills in the East Riding, challenging Yorkshire Water's progress in reducing discharges.
Councillor Redshaw pointed out that Yorkshire Water had reported to the committee in the previous year a target of reducing overall discharges from its network by 20% by April 2025, based on 2021 figures. However, the councillor's own research using publicly available data revealed a concerning trend in the opposite direction. Spills in the Yorkshire region had risen by 43% to 77,761 in 2023, compared to 54,723 in 2022. This increase translated to over 500,000 hours of untreated sewage spilled, compared to 232,000 hours in 2022, representing a 123% surge.
Councillor Redshaw highlighted specific areas along the Humber and the East Riding coastline where the number of spills and hours of discharge had significantly increased
The councillor questioned Yorkshire Water's ability to deliver on its promises made 12 months prior, particularly given the projected water supply shortfall in England by 2050. They sought assurances that plans were in place to address these challenges and ensure a future-proof water system.
In response to Councillor Redshaw's concerns, Yorkshire Water representatives acknowledged public and media disapproval of sewage discharges and the sector's growing recognition of their unacceptability. They emphasized the complexity of the issue and cautioned against focusing solely on year-on-year comparisons, particularly given the unique circumstances of 2022 and 2023.
Yorkshire Water's Head of Corporate Affairs, Tim Myatt, says the year on year comparisons don't tell the whole story.
Yorkshire Water representatives highlighted their ongoing efforts to address the issue, pointing to a £180 million investment announced in 2022 to reduce storm overflow discharges. This investment aims to reduce discharges by 20% by April 2025, based on 2021 figures. The company is targeting a further reduction to an average of 20 spills per overflow by 2030.
Tim Myatt says the £180m improvement plan is going to take time to deliver results.
While acknowledging the challenges, Yorkshire Water representatives maintained that their plan remains the right approach, emphasizing their long-term view and ongoing investment in solutions. They also highlighted their commitment to working with local communities and stakeholders to ensure they are investing in the right areas and addressing priority concerns.
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