£375,000 scheme to improve water quality in River Wharfe (From Ilkley Gazette)

Five-month upgrade project at Ilkley waste water treatment works

7:00am Sunday 13th November 2011 in Local news By Amanda Greaves

The River Wharfe at Ilkley.

Yorkshire Water is vowing to improve water quality in the River Wharfe after unveiling plans for a £375,000 scheme.

From Monday, the company will begin a five-month project to upgrade its Ilkley waste water treatment works, which they say will boost “effectiveness and operational efficiency”.

The company will install new mechanical screens where waste water enters the works to filter out debris, including the likes of nappies, cotton wool buds and sanitary products, which should not be put down the toilet.

John Bond, from Yorkshire Water’s community engagement team, said: “We recognise that, as a water and sewerage company, we have a huge role to play in protecting and enhancing local environments and this is an example of how seriously we take that responsibility.

“The new screens will not only improve the effectiveness and operational efficiency of the works, but they will also help to ensure the treated water we discharge remains of the highest quality, boosting riverlife and enhancing the experience of all of those people who use it for fishing and other activities.”

The new screens will replace the current, older versions in place now at the works, which were built about 70 years ago and serve a population of about 15,000, treating 115 litres of water a second.

Engineering specialists Byzac-Entec are set to carry out the work, but Yorkshire Water says that as all of the work will be contained on the site, there will be no disruption to people living nearby.

Contractors will not need access to any properties throughout the project and local residents are urged to be on their guard against bogus callers.

Genuine employees will always carry identification and will not mind waiting while their credentials are checked, a spokesman for Yorkshire Water said. Local residents can check credentials by calling 08451 242424.