The Yorkshire rivers where swimming is not advised due to high levels of E.coli
Three Yorkshire rivers with designated bathing water status have once again been rated as “poor” quality, with swimming still not advised.
Ilkley Beach was the first river in the country to be granted bathing water status in 2020, however since then the quality has been rated as poor year.
In 2025, the Environment Agency tested the Wharfe, the Nidd and Yorkshire beaches between May and September for E.coli and other dangerous bacteria.
In data published yesterday, Ilkley Beach was once again rated poor, with high levels of both E.coli and intestinal enterococci.
Both bacteria are indicative of pollution, and there is a sewage treatment plan up river from Ilkley Beach.
The other part of the Wharfe with designated bathing status, in Wetherby, was also rated “poor” once again, with swimming not advised.
The area, at the Wilderness car park, also has very high levels of both bacteria.
Knaresborough Lido, on the River Nidd, was also classified as “poor”, with swimming not advised.
Testing in September found 10 times the normal rate of E.Coli, according to EA, while Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon previously told The Yorkshire Post that a number of people fell ill after using the Lido.
Mr Gordon said: “It is deeply disappointing and utterly unacceptable that the River Nidd at the Lido has once again been classified as ‘poor’ for bathing water quality.
“This is a cherished spot for local families and visitors, yet year after year it remains unsafe because Yorkshire Water puts profit before our environment.”
Miles Cameron, bathing water manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “We’re disappointed that the three inland bathing waters in our area are classified as ‘poor’, but we understand the many factors impacting water quality.
“Storm overflows, agricultural runoff, highway runoff, misconnections, pollution from industry and privately-owned sewage systems all have a part to play in the health of our rivers.
“We’re investing heavily in our network 5km upstream of each of the three Yorkshire bathing waters to specifically reduce discharges into the bathing waters.”
The water quality picture was much better along the coast, with all beaches of sufficient quality to swim except Scarborough South Beach. This was rated “poor” with swimming not advised.
Mr Cameron added: “We’re pleased that 72 per cent of our coastal bathing waters are regarded as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.
“This last 12 months has also seen an improvement at Bridlington South, taking the beach up to ‘Sufficient’, which is vital for the local community and businesses in the area.
“Yorkshire Water will be investing over £300m in our coastal bathing waters by April 2030 to reduce discharges from storm overflows and wastewater treatment works.”
Across England as a whole, 7 per cent of sites were rated as “poor” in 2025, a slight reduction on the previous year. Two-thirds were classed as “excellent” with a further 21 per cent as “good” and 6 per cent as “sufficient”.
Alan Lovell, chair of the EA, said: “Bathing water quality in England has improved significantly over recent decades, and this year’s results show the continued impact of strong regulation, investment and partnership working.
“But we know there is more to do, and the new bathing water reforms will strengthen the way these much-loved places are managed.”
Water Minister Emma Hardy, who is also the MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, added: “Our bathing waters are at the heart of so many communities, and these reforms will help people experience the benefits of our beautiful waters and connect with nature.
“By ending automatic de-designation and bringing in more flexibility to when waters are monitored, we’re creating a system that reflects how people actually use their local rivers, lakes and beaches.”
However, the Liberal Democrats said the figures showed the water industry requires overhaul, and called on the Government to bring in a regulator “with teeth”.
Environment spokesperson Tim Farron said: “These figures are simply not good enough. People across the country are understandably furious that water companies are still carelessly polluting our precious bathing spots.
“Water companies have committed environmental vandalism for far too long with no shame for the damage they have inflicted on communities or coastlines.
“The previous Conservative government allowed it to happen, and Labour has done little to tackle it.”