Elevated river ammonia levels under investigation

The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed it is investigating an incident of "elevated ammonia" levels in the River Ouse.

Yorkshire Water said it first noticed problems in the water quality on Monday and took action to shut down its water treatment works to ensure the quality of their raw water supply remained safe.

The company said the works had since reopened, but, as a result, people living in the Easingwold area may be experiencing low water pressure.

It said the higher than normal levels of ammonia were the result of a "third-party pollution incident", with the EA saying it had staff on site trying to work establish the source.

Ammonia is an important industrial chemical, used in the production of fertilisers, plastics, synthetic fibres, dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals.

Elevated levels of ammonia in water can kill or be otherwise harmful to aquatic life, including fish, and can be also harmful to humans, as well as impacting the taste and odour.

In a statement Yorkshire Water said it hoped the issue would be resolved quickly.

"We're hopeful this will not be prolonged, but given the warm weather, we have taken the decision to set up bottled water stations," they said.

"We have delivered bottled water to customers on our Priority Services Register.

"We're sorry for the disruption this will cause, but we'll keep everyone updated via our website and by text message if their details are logged with us."

People can collect bottled water from three locations:

Galtres Centre car park, YO61 3BU

Easingwold Football Club, YO61 3RN

Rawcliffe Bar Park and Ride, YO30 5XZ

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