York health fears over River Ouse flood water bacteria

Tests were carried out on a sample of floodwater near the River Ouse

Public health fears have been raised after flood water in York was found to contain dangerous levels of bacteria.

Tests on the water from a residential street near the River Ouse showed high E. coli and sewage levels, according to environmental group Round Our Way.

Harvey Dowdy, from the University of York, said the implications on public health were "very concerning".

Yorkshire Water said it was working to reduce storm overflow discharges which can enter the river.

As well as high levels of E.coli, the water sample revealed elevated levels of ammonia and bacteria including human and animal waste.

Results from lab tests rated the water "poor" according to Environment Agency bathing water standards, suggesting a risk to health, the environmental group said.

Harvey Dowdy said York University staff and students used the river for its rowing club

Ms Dowdy, director of technology, estates and facilities, said: "The university staff and students use the rowing club so we're very concerned about the public health implications.

"We're also concerned about the biodiversity on the Ings and the need to do a proper clean-up."

Dave Wilson, from the York Rescue Boat charity, said he was surprised by the levels of bacteria found.

"It's very concerning for us as a team who work in the water, especially in flood water, and the health of our volunteers and the York population in general."

Yorkshire Water said that following recent storms, storm overflows, which are used to prevent sewers flooding homes and streets, did discharge into the River Ouse.

It said it acknowledged that the operation of storm overflows was an issue "customers care passionately about" and was investing £180m by April 2025 "to begin reducing their operation across the region".

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The company added: "Additionally, we have submitted plans to Ofwat for approval outlining a £1.3bn investment to reduce storm overflow discharges between 2025 and 2030."

York City councillor Kate Ravilious, who is jointly responsible for issues including the environment, said the authority was "clear that sewage discharges pose a health hazard to the public and are therefore unacceptable".

She added: "At present Yorkshire Water allows storm overflow discharges into rivers to prevent sewage backing up into the streets and homes where people live.

"With climate change increasing the frequency of flood events, this practice needs to change and.... we'll continue to lobby Yorkshire Water to remove unregulated foul sewage discharge from York's rivers."