Stop Ure Pollution (SUP) has issued a red alert following the detection of dangerously high levels of E. coli and bacterial endotoxins in the River Ure in mid-Wensleydale. The warning comes after multiple water tests in July and reports of recent illness among swimmers.

What’s been found

Professor Richard Loukota, SUP Chair, conducted weekly tests at Ulshaw Bridge (four times), Aysgarth Falls (twice), and Worton (once), using the Bactiquick testing kit. All tests indicated ‘high risk’ results for bacterial contamination, including on July 20^th and 27^th at the popular Aysgarth Falls. Follow-up lab testing confirmed E. coli levels well above safe limits for recreational use.

Safe threshold for E. coli: below 900 CFU (colony forming units)

River Ure reading: 2169 CFU (90th centile)

Bactiquick ‘high risk’ level: over 58 ERU (endotoxin risk units)

Ure results: 151, 166, 151, 149, 146 ERU

Health concerns

Two people are reported to have fallen ill with E. coli after bathing in the river last week, with one requiring hospital treatment.

Professor Loukota advises caution: “This situation is very concerning, and all water users should be aware of the risks, take the appropriate hand hygiene steps and should avoid ingesting river water particularly after rainy weather, when Combined Sewage Outlets are most likely to discharge and animal faecal matter is more likely to be washed into the river.”

Not a designated bathing spot

The River Ure is not a designated bathing area under Environment Agency guidelines. It is not regularly tested for recreational safety and may contain sewage, animal waste and agricultural runoff—posing potential health risks to humans and pets.

Upcoming public meeting

SUP will hold its first Annual General Meeting on: Tuesday 23 September, 7pm at Leyburn Methodist Church Hall. Charlotte Simons of the Yorkshire Dales River Trust will present findings from last summer’s volunteer-led water testing.

Stay informed

Until conditions improve, residents and visitors are urged to avoid swimming in the river and to stay alert to further updates from SUP and relevant authorities.

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