Every River Ure site tested for bacterial pollution during a major survey recorded “high risk” results, campaigners have said.
Citizen scientists from Stop Ure Pollution (SUP) joined the Yorkshire Dales River Trust for a full-river survey on August 26, taking samples from dozens of locations along the Ure and its tributaries.
SUP said all six locations subjected to same-day Bactiquick testing returned readings well above the threshold classed as high risk.
The tests measure bacterial endotoxins, with readings below 42 Endotoxin Risk Units (ERU) classed as low risk, 43 to 57 as medium risk and anything above 58 as high risk.
Fergus Henderson and Neil Stanton testing the water at Redmire Force (Image: STOP URE POLLUTION)
According to SUP, all six samples recorded readings above 97 ERU, with the highest at Middleham reaching 142.
The group said this represented a very high level of bacterial endotoxins which could pose a risk to human and animal health.
Yorkshire Dales River Trust teams sampled 14 sites on the lower Ure between Masham and Boroughbridge, while six SUP teams tested 32 sites on the upper river and its tributaries between Lunds and Jervaulx.
SUP members Professor Richard Loukota and Mike Grace have also regularly tested at Aysgarth Falls and Ulshaw Bridge since June 2025.
The group said only two low-risk readings had been recorded in that time, in February and March 2026.
Underwater footage taken at Bainbridge during the August survey was also said by SUP to show high levels of eutrophication, where excess nutrients encourage heavy plant and algal growth.
The group said possible causes included agricultural run-off, sewage overflows and inadequately treated discharges from private septic tanks.
SUP also raised concerns about Yorkshire Water’s treatment works at Worton, claiming there was evidence of poorly treated sewage entering the Ure. The matter has been reported to the Environment Agency.
A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “The results from Stop Ure Pollution’s monitoring highlight the challenges that remain in the River Ure, and we are determined to play our part to improve its health.
“We will be investing millions of pounds in 14 storm overflows that discharge into the River Ure by 2030, as part of a £1.5bn investment across the region to reduce discharges to watercourses.”
The company added that tackling pollution would require organisations, businesses and individuals to address all sources, and said it would continue working with SUP.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are working with several organisations to improve water quality and biodiversity in the River Ure.
“This includes providing funding and support for a wide range of projects and initiatives, along with giving technical advice and guidance to help landowners reduce the risk of pollution from their land.”
Further bacteriological testing is planned for September 30, followed by another full survey at the end of October.
The results are due to be announced at SUP’s annual meeting in Leyburn on November 24.
