Yorkshire Water announces two new storm overflow projects in Leeds worth over £4m
The two projects aim to reduce flooding risks and improve water quality
Yorkshire Water is set to begin two new storm overflow discharge reduction projects in Leeds over the next few weeks in a bid to improve water quality.
The projects, a £3.1m scheme in Farsley and a £1.5m scheme in Morley, are part of a wider £1.5bn programme of works between 2025 and 2030 which aim to reduce the operation of storm overflows across the region.
A storm overflow operates as relief valves during periods of bad weather to prevent sewer systems from backing up and flooding homes, gardens, and businesses.
When capacity is returned to normal, the stored flows are sent to the wastewater treatment works for regular treatment.
The Farsley project will begin on October 19 on Bagley Lane as Yorkshire Water’s contract partners M Group will install an underground storage tank in the combined sewer network.
Able to hold 745,000 litres of wastewater, the additional storage will reduce discharges from Bagley Beck Rodley CSO, improving the water quality in Bagley Beck.
The work is expected to take 11 months to complete and temporary traffic lights will be in place on Bagley Lane for the duration of the project.
The Morley project meanwhile, will start on October 26 on Geldard Road.
Like the Farsley scheme, the project will also see an underground storage tank constructed by M Group and will take 11 months to complete.
This tank will be able to hold 500,000 litres of water and aims to reduce discharges from the Rooms Lane CSO, improving water quality in Dean Beck.
Lydia Mitchell, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “Our storm overflows are operating more than we, and our customers, would like, and we’re committed to reducing the number of discharges. We have schemes underway across Yorkshire, and these two schemes will mark 16 schemes to have either completed or begun in Leeds since April 2025, which is a significant undertaking.
"We know that this work will be disruptive, and we’re incredibly grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding in advance.”
Both projects follow other storm overflow projects getting underway in Farsley and Morley, with work underway on South Drive and Dewsbury Road, respectively.
Schemes in Beeston and Stourton, which were some of the first storm overflow projects to begin as part of the £1.5bn investment, are already complete, and are delivering benefits for Farnley Wood Beck and the River Aire, respectively.