Yorkshire Water unveils plans to launch seven sewer discharge reduction projects in Knaresborough by 2030
“These boreholes are the next step in planning one of seven projects that we’re expecting to complete in Knaresborough”
Yorkshire Water is to begin ground investigations in Knaresborough next week as part of its £1.5 billion Yorkshire-wide programme to reduce discharges from combined storm overflows.
The utility giant is currently investigating and planning seven potential CSO discharge reduction projects in Knaresborough, to be completed by 2030.
CSOs are part of the combined sewer network, which carries both wastewater and rainwater, and act as a relief valve when the sewer is over capacity.
During periods of heavy rainfall, CSOs discharge diluted wastewater into watercourses to prevent the system from backing up into homes, gardens, businesses and streets.
Athif Khan, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: "Last year, we saw a 24.5% reduction in discharges from CSOs, which reflects the level of investment we have been making in upgrading our network to bring the frequency and duration down.
“There’s much more to do, and these boreholes are the next step in planning one of seven projects that we’re expecting to complete in Knaresborough.”
Five boreholes, approximately 150mm in diameter and 5m deep, will be drilled into the ground on The Parsonage in Knaresborough to help understand ground conditions and monitor groundwater levels.
The information gathered by contract partners Ward and Burke will help Yorkshire Water decide the most effective and safe way of reducing discharges into the River Nidd from Waterside 49 CSO.
Yorkshire Water says Knaresborough residents have been informed of any localised disruption.
Once the investigations are complete – expected to take one week - the boreholes will be backfilled, the area fully reinstated, and the data gathered from the survey will be used to aid the development of the best solution to reduce discharges.
Prior to the boreholes being drilled, ecology and arboricultural surveys have been undertaken.
There will be further ground investigations in Knaresborough as Yorkshire Water plans six other projects in the town, with local residents being informed in advance each time.
The £1.5bn CSO discharge reduction programme, being delivered between 2025 and 2030, follows a £180m investment in the couple of years prior.
It forms part of Yorkshire Water's wider £8.3bn, largest ever investment into improving services and its impact on the environment.