MP Says River Esk Water Treatment "Unfit for Purpose"

Water Quality in the River Esk has been discussed in Westminster.

Speaking in a debate on water quality in Rivers, Lakes and Seas, Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume said that the infrastructure used to keep the River Esk clean is crumbling and unfit for purpose.

The water treatment works at Egton Bridge on the river Esk came in for criticism from the local MP.

Alison Hume said she has concerns after a recent visit to the Egton Bridge water treatment facility.

The MP started her contribution to the debate by highlighting the importance of the River Esk.

In a passionate debate led by Catherine Fookes, Labour MP for Monmouthshire, the issue of water quality in the UK's rivers, lakes, and seas was highlighted. Fookes highlighted the alarming decline in water quality, particularly in the Wye and Usk rivers, due to high levels of phosphate pollution. She emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent further biodiversity loss and the collapse of aquatic ecosystems.

Jesse Norman, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, supported Fookes' call for government intervention, urging the preservation of the £35 million funding pledged for the restoration of the River Wye. Fookes acknowledged the efforts of local NGOs and citizen scientists in raising awareness and holding the government accountable.

Gregory Campbell, DUP MP for East Londonderry, stressed the importance of government action over reliance on pressure groups. He cited the severe cyanobacteria blooms in Lough Neagh as a pressing example of the need for effective measures.

Several MPs, including Polly Billington and Sarah Dyke, voiced concerns about the impact of agricultural pollution and the need for better enforcement of existing regulations. They called for increased support for farmers to adopt sustainable practices and reduce phosphate runoff.

The debate also touched on the economic implications of water pollution, with Peter Swallow, Labour MP for Bracknell, highlighting the detrimental effects on local businesses and tourism. He praised the government's Water (Special Measures) Bill, which aims to hold water companies accountable and impose severe fines for pollution.

We The debate underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to address water pollution in the UK. MPs called for stronger regulations, better enforcement, and increased funding to restore the health of the nation's waterways.

In a statement to This is the Coast a Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:

“Tackling discharges from storm overflows is a priority for us. We currently have projects underway at three overflows along the river Esk, as part of our £180m commitment to reducing discharges across the region by April this year, and we will be investing a further £1.5bn into storm overflows over the next five years, including £165m earmarked for coastal investment. We are currently busy planning this programme of investment, so that we can hit the ground running in April, when the regulatory delivery period begins.

"On top of our storm overflow investment, we are planning investment into Egton Bridge wastewater treatment works, and will be introducing additional water quality monitoring in the Esk catchment. We will be continuing our work with the Freshwater Biological Association and the North Yorks Moors National Park Authority, to help release young freshwater pearl mussels to the river Esk, and we will also continue to be an active member of the Esk & Coastal Streams Catchment Partnership as we work towards the good health of the waterway.

"It’s important to note that river health can be impacted by a number of factors, such as industrial and agricultural run-off, discharges from storm overflows, and wildlife."