EAST YORKSHIRE – Yorkshire Water has been named as one of England’s worst performing water companies in a new report from the Environment Agency, which recorded a 60 per cent rise in serious pollution incidents in 2024.
The annual environmental performance assessment found that the number of category one and two pollution events increased from 47 in 2023 to 75 in 2024. These incidents are classified as causing either major or significant impact on the environment, including damage to watercourses, wildlife and habitats.
Yorkshire Water was responsible for 13 of the incidents, the third highest total behind Thames Water with 33 and Southern Water with 15. Together, the three companies accounted for more than 80 per cent of the most serious pollution events recorded last year.
The report stated that overall performance across the sector remained poor, and that “companies are not doing enough to reduce pollution from storm overflows or treatment works.” It also highlighted a decrease in self-reporting by companies, with only 63 per cent of serious pollution incidents being disclosed by the water companies themselves, compared to 74 per cent the previous year.
In addition to the findings in the Environment Agency report, Yorkshire Water is facing separate regulatory action from Ofwat. In August 2024, the regulator announced it was proposing a financial penalty of £47 million against the company for breaches related to unauthorised sewage discharges from wastewater treatment works. Ofwat stated that Yorkshire Water had contravened its statutory obligations and failed to operate its assets properly.
The company was also one of several required to return money to customers for underperformance, with around £40 million to be repaid due to missed targets on environmental and service standards.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said the figures showed a “disgraceful” level of pollution and confirmed new measures would be introduced to hold companies accountable, including banning bonuses for executives responsible for breaches and expanding legal powers under the Water (Special Measures) Act.
Yorkshire Water said it was investing in infrastructure improvements and working to reduce the number of pollution incidents, but it remains under regulatory scrutiny.
The Environment Agency has received an additional £189 million in funding to increase its monitoring and enforcement capacity. An independent review of the water sector, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, is also under way, with recommendations expected later this year.
Local environmental groups have raised concerns about the ongoing impact on rivers and waterways in East Yorkshire, including the River Hull, Beverley Beck and the Humber Estuary, and are calling for stronger oversight of future performance.