Yorkshire Water has launched a £16.8m project at Haisthorpe Water Treatment Works to install a nitrate removal plant, aiming to protect reliable, sustainable, high-quality drinking water for customers across East Yorkshire.

Contractor Mott MacDonald Bentley began work this week on the new plant and associated infrastructure to enhance water quality for local customers.

Tom Charlesworth, project manager for Yorkshire Water, said: "This work forms part of our commitment to meet enhanced drinking water and supply regulations. Monitoring over the last decade has shown a rise in nitrate levels in raw water drawn from a number of local boreholes. This is blended to ensure compliance with the strict limits required to supply safe drinking water.

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"The new nitrate removal plant, allows us to deliver a future-proofed solution, installed and commissioned in line with changes to water quality in readiness for the 30 September 2027 compliance date set by the DWI."

Boreholes, which draw water from deep underground where it is naturally filtered through soil and rock, typically need minimal treatment before use. They are central to Yorkshire Water's long-term supply strategy, supporting network resilience and reducing the risk of future shortages.

At Haisthorpe, raw water is sourced from three boreholes. The scheme will add blending capacity and extra treatment to manage increasing nitrate levels, ensuring full compliance and a secure supply of clean water for customers.