Raw sewage is discharged into the Wharfe from 'storm overflows' when it rains, polluting our river. We need help to buy the equipment and lab testing for testing the water quality along the whole length of the Wharfe.

We are campaigning to clean up the river so it is safe for people and wildlife. Our testing so far has found that when it rains the levels of e-coli in the river are a public health hazard. In dry weather the pollution is still very high at the sewage treatment works at Ilkley and probably from thereon for the length of the river downstream. We want to get a better picture of where this pollution comes from and where along the Wharfe from the source to where it joins the Ouse, the water quality is safe for wildlife and people. This will help us campaign to clean up the river so it is fit for wildlife and for people to paddle, play and swim in. We are going to do a massive one day of water testing along the whole length of the river, and count how many people are picnicking at, and playing in, the river. You can see the project proposal here iWharfe Project Proposal

We are doing this with the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, Addingham Environment Group, Otley 2030, the Boston Spa Wetherby and Villages Green Group, Yorkshire Water, Wild Trout Trust, WaterCoG, as well as all the communities that live along the river. You can read about our campaign here Ilkley Clean River Campaign