Local MP warns ‘OFWAT must go’ after Yorkshire Water dumps 430,263 hours of sewage

Newly released data has revealed that Yorkshire Water pumped 430,263 hours’ worth of sewage into our waterways last year – including into the River Nidd. 

In Tom’s constituency of Harrogate and Knaresborough, residents are increasingly frustrated as the River Nidd, a cherished local landmark and summer hotspot, continues to be polluted. The Knaresborough Lido, a popular section of the river that attracts locals and tourists alike, is still rated ‘poor’ for water quality, making it unsafe for swimming just as summer approaches.  

The news that Yorkshire Water has been pumping hundreds of thousands of hours’ worth of sewage into our waterways, comes just a few weeks after Yorkshire Water hiked water bills by 29% - all while ignoring customer complaints and awarding its CEO a £371,000 bonus. 

These figures make it clear: Ofwat is failing to hold water companies accountable, allowing them to dump sewage into waterways unchecked. Water firms have been given free rein to pollute, while residents bear the cost. 

Tom and his Liberal Democrat colleagues are calling on the government to replace Ofwat with a new, stronger regulator – one with real power to rein in reckless water companies, enforce strict regulations, and end the sewage scandal once and for all. 

Tom has met with both Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency this year and will continue to do all that he can to see our rivers cleaned up. 

Tom Gordon, Lib Dem MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said: 

“Here in Harrogate and Knaresborough, residents are appalled by what’s happening to the River Nidd - all whilst facing sky-high water bills. 

“The Government should act now to get a new regulator in place to protect British rivers and seas from being pumped with disgusting sewage. Ofwat must go. 

“I and the Liberal Democrats will continue to protect the River Nidd and fight for much tougher regulation of a water industry which is profiting from pollution.”

ENDS