Yorkshire Water, in co-operation with the Environment Agency, has set out proposals to introduce a trial compensation releases regime in the River Washburn.
In collaboration with the Environment Agency, the water company is proposing to introduce a compensation regime in the River Washburn (a tributary of the River Wharfe) downstream of Thruscross Reservoir at National Grid Reference SE 15545 57414, west of Harrogate and north of Blubberhouses, North Yorkshire.
From 1 August 2016, for a period of 5 years, the following minimum compensation flow discharges will be made within 5 working days from the following dates:
- 1 January – 15 April 16,900 cubic metres per day
- 16 April – 15 May 8,200 cubic metres per day
- 16 May – 15 October 3,900 cubic metres per day
- 16 October – 15 November 8,200 cubic metres per day
- 16 November – 31 December 16,900 cubic metres per day
The compensation discharges will provide a new protected low flow. There are no licensed abstractions from the watercourse between Thruscross and Fewston reservoirs.
The intention of the trial is to improve the ecology of the river to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive. Monitoring will take place throughout the duration of the trial.
Deadline to submit comments or representation about the proposal is 28 July 2016 - email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
ERG, the leading supplier of odour control systems and industrial gas cleaning & thermal systems, has been awarded the coveted King’s Award for Enterprise.
Welsh Water’s new artificial intelligence-driven tool, ORAI, has been shortlisted for three categories at the prestigious British Data Awards 2026 – underscoring the company’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to deliver better outcome for customers.
Barhale has completed work on two separate Rapid Action Taskforce Spills projects it is carrying out for Severn Trent.
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.