Storm run-off contamination down by nearly a quarter, says Yorkshire Water

Yorkshire Water says it has prevented a lot more storm run-off from contaminating rivers, seas and lakes.

According to official figures, the number of discharges into watercourses in Yorkshire decreased by 24.5% in 2025, when compared to the previous 12 months.

Discharges fell from 68,164 to 51,404 and the duration of the discharges into watercourses fell from 430,263 hours to 285,230 hours – a decrease of 33.7%.

The average number of discharges per storm overflow also decreased from 31.4 in 2024 to 23.6 in 2025.

The decrease in 2025 follows a 12% reduction in discharges in 2024.

Richard Stuart, director of asset delivery and engineering, said: “The dry weather in 2025 contributed to the reduction, but we also saw above average rainfall in the region in January, September, November and December.

"Our £180m investment over the last two years targeted over 100 storm overflows and is delivering a reduction in storm overflows across the region.

“Some of the work as part of this investment was completed in early 2025, so we are yet to see the full benefit during an entire 12-month period, but we are seeing the investment beginning to make an impact.

"Of course, there is more to do and we’re underway with a further £1.5bn investment to continue tackling the performance of storm overflows."