Yorkshire Water begins £5 million project at Harrogate treatment works to improve River Nidd water quality
Yorkshire Water has started work on a £5 million project at its Harrogate North wastewater treatment works aimed at improving water quality in the River Nidd.
The scheme, at the treatment works off Bachelor Gardens, will see contractor Ward & Burke install new equipment designed to remove phosphorus from treated wastewater before it is safely returned to the river.
The project forms part of Yorkshire Water's wider programme to improve river health across the region and is expected to improve water quality for around 4.8km downstream of the Harrogate site.
Phosphorus naturally enters the wastewater system through everyday household activities, including the use of products such as shampoo and liquid detergent in showers and washing machines.
It can also enter rivers from agricultural fields after the use of fertilisers.
Although phosphorus is an essential nutrient in small amounts, excessive levels can encourage algae growth, reducing sunlight in waterways and affecting fish, plants and other aquatic wildlife.
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.
"Phosphorus reduction is an important part of our current investment plan – by 2030, we'll have completed 85 projects in a £350 million 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, contractor Hydro International will refurbish existing equipment at the Harrogate North wastewater treatment works to improve its operation, help manage increasing demand and extend the site's operational life.
The work is expected to be completed by late 2029.
The latest investment follows Yorkshire Water's previous £500 million programme to reduce phosphorus levels across the region over the last five-year investment period.
The company says that programme reduced phosphorus levels in treated wastewater by 68 per cent.
Yorkshire Water is also planning a separate £20 million investment to reduce the operation of storm overflows that discharge into the River Nidd.
Ground investigations for potential solutions in central Harrogate have recently begun as part of that project.