Water pollution levels at Aysgarth Falls in North Yorkshire

Citizen scientists linked to the Stop Ure Pollution group say that their tests of the River Ure carried out in October found the level of e-coli concentration at Aysgarth Falls was eight times higher than what is officially considered to be safe for bathing.

The water sampling on October 9, organised by Yorkshire Dales River Trust (YDRT) with the support of  Stop Ure Pollution, involved ten teams of volunteers taking samples from 45 sites along the full length of the river and some of the tributaries.

Aysgarth Falls (Image: SUBMIT) This was the second time a river-length water testing had been carried out.

The first was in August when the testing team said they found a 'significant peak' in E.coli levels from Bainbridge to Spennithorne.

In comparing the figures from August to October, the Yorkshire Dales River Trust reported that 20 out of the 45 sites tested had E.coli concentrations above the levels ‘deemed sufficient for bathing water’ -   900 coliform forming units (cfu) per 100ml of water - in August, with only four sites having E.coli concentrations below that level in October.  

Water pollution levels at Aysgarth Falls in North Yorkshire:

The Trust said that on October 9: "E.coli concentrations were high (over 2000 cfu/100ml) right from the top of the catchment at Lunds, peaking at Aysgarth footbridge (9800 cfu/100ml) and remaining high until West Tanfield.

"The E.coli concentrations then rose again at Bridge Hewick (3500 cfu/100m}, dropping slightly at Boroughbridge before rising dramatically at Aldborough (9500 cfu/100ml)."

According to the Trust, there was a general increase in fine sediment particles from Bainbridge to Burn Bridge, with small peaks in the Aysgarth area, Eshington Bridge and a larger peak on the Tutt, which it said would need 'further investigation'.

Prof Richard Loukota, chairman of Stop Ure Pollution, said "It is a very disappointing result for the state of the river and worrying to think of all the people who use the river for various pastimes."

Along with Stop Ure Pollution's frustration, the Yorkshire Dales River Trust said that it would need further analysis of the results in August and October, while working with the Environment Agency to increase understanding of E.coli levels in the Ure Catchment.

It also wants more E.coli testing on the stretch of river between Bainbridge and Jervaulx; plus further analysis on the Skell and Tutt tributaries.

In response to Stop Ure Pollution's concerns, the Environment Agency has said that it's working to improve water quality and gave some examples of the work it is currently doing.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are working with several organisations to improve water quality and biodiversity in the River Ure. This includes providing funding and support for a wide range of projects and initiatives, along with giving technical advice and guidance to help landowners reduce the risk of pollution from their land.”

The agency also highlighted that Aysgarth is not designated bathing water.