Work has started on a £3.3m scheme to improve water quality in a North Yorkshire beck. 

The project, at Carthorpe wastewater treatment works, near Bedale, aims to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering Holme Beck by installing new electrocoagulation technology.

It will mean the use of chemicals to reduce phosphorus in treated wastewater is prevented, and the process is less carbon intensive.

Yorkshire Water, which is carrying out the work, says phosphorus is a normal part of domestic sewage, entering the sewer system via showers and washing machines in shampoos and liquid detergents. It can also wash off from agricultural fields after the use of fertilisers and be dissolved from soil, which can be difficult to control.

While a small amount of phosphorus is harmless, it can become damaging to human and animal life when unmanaged.

(Image: Yorkshire Water)

Andy Wilmer, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “Over the last five years we’ve been investing heavily in our treatment works throughout the region to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering watercourses in treated effluent which is returned to the environment after the full treatment process. Phosphorus, which can enter rivers from a variety of sources, can be harmful to wildlife and the local environment if not managed.

“Our work at Carthorpe will reduce the phosphorus entering Holme Beck from the wastewater treatment works, improving the quality of the water locally and enabling the local wildlife and environment to thrive.

“The technology we are using means fewer chemicals will be used as part of the wastewater treatment process, it is a less carbon intensive method and ultimately will provide better value for money for our customers.”