Gulf · UAE Digital
Work has begun on a £19m project to improve water quality in and around Barnsley. The scheme will use specialist chemicals and "helpful bacteria" to reduce the amount of phosphorus at Yorkshire Water's Wombwell wastewater treatment site. The company said while phosphorous from products such as shampoo and washing machine detergent is a normal part of domestic wastewater, too much can be damaging to humans and animals.
Project manager Lindsey Philips said: "We're working with our contract partners, Ward & Burke, on this phosphorus removal project to help us improve the health and water quality of our rivers, which us important to us and to our customers." The firm said the scheme was due to be completed in early 2029 and had been designed to accommodate the growing population of Wombwell and the surrounding area. It is part of a £2bn investment by the company aimed at making environmental improvements around on storm overflows and wastewater treatment. In July it was revealed that Yorkshire Water was expected to be downgraded to a one-star rating by the Environment Agenc y.
In a report published by the company it said pollution incidents had risen by more than 70% in the last 12 months - up from a total of 151 in March 2025 to 260 in April 2026. Speaking at the time, a spokesperson said: "Improvement on pollution will take time given the scale of new infrastructure that is needed, but we have the right plan in place and by 2030, we will have reduced pollution incidents and delivered significant improvements to river health."
Source: BBC
