Toby Milbank hss created graphs to illustrate the results from testing carried out by Stop Ure Pollution volunteers at Ulshaw Bridge from June 2025 to June 2026. See below for a summary about these.
Summary
Overall Condition
Poor to Moderate ecological health. Chemically the river is only moderately polluted, but microbiological contamination is consistently poor. Results suggest chronic diffuse pollution rather than a single continuous discharge.
Key Findings
Persistent faecal contamination – E. coli and Bactiquick results remain high throughout the year.
High turbidity – Frequent readings above 500 NTU indicate severe sediment loading.
Elevated nutrients – Nitrate levels are consistently elevated with one major spike above 7 ppm; ammonia generally remains low.
Seasonal pattern – Water quality improves during winter but deteriorates again in spring, consistent with agricultural activity.
Multiple indicators agree – E. coli, Bactiquick, turbidity and nitrate all point towards the same pollution sources.
Comparison with Other Rivers
Better than: heavily urban rivers such as parts of the Aire, Calder and Don.Similar to: intensively farmed rivers including parts of the Wye and Lugg catchments.Worse than: most upland rivers within the Yorkshire Dales, North Pennines and other National Parks.
Most Likely Pollution Sources
Livestock farming – Direct livestock access, slurry and manure runoff
Agricultural land management – Manure spreading, field runoff and soil erosion are likely significant contributors.
Sewage infrastructure – Yorkshire Water treatment works, storm overflows and private septic tanks
Priority Actions
Fence livestock from watercourses and provide alternative drinking points.
Improve slurry and manure management
Upgrade sewage treatment works and investigate private septic tanks.
Establish wider riparian buffer strips and restore wetlands to intercept runoff and trap sediment.
Overall Conclusion
The evidence indicates that the River Ure at Ulshaw Bridge is under significant pressure from diffuse agricultural and sewage pollution.