Through regular monitoring, we’ve noticed a chemical called cypermethrin has found its way into the wastewater treatment works and the River Nidd.
What harm does cypermethrin do?
Even tiny amounts in water can harm aquatic invertebrates such as insects and crustaceans, so it’s really important we reduce levels to protect them. The environmental standard for cypermethrin is very low; just one teaspoon of the chemical getting into a wastewater treatment works outlet would be over the environmental standard.
Where does cypermethrin come from?
You may be using cypermethrin in your home or garden without realising. If you’re a gardener wanting to control greenfly or a pet owner worried about fleas, you could be using products containing cypermethrin. Don’t worry, you’ve done nothing wrong, as these products are legal and safe to use for their intended purpose.
What happens next?
We’re working closely with the Environment Agency to investigate the problem and find a solution. Over the next year, we’ll be testing for cypermethrin in our sewer network.
There’s a lot of ways cypermethrin could be getting into our sewers, many from simple household use. We want to learn more about these different ways, so we can work to put it right. We’re hoping these efforts will help reduce cypermethrin levels at Pateley Bridge. If successful, the results could help fix the issues across England; with Pateley Bridge leading the way!
By stopping cypermethrin entering the sewers, this could also avoid the potential need to upgrade the treatment works to a more costly and energy intensive system, which would be better for all of us!
Don’t worry, your water and wastewater services won’t be affected during this process. We won’t need to access your home and won’t be testing your home’s water pipes. Just to reassure you, we’re really good at cleaning the water, so you don’t need to worry about cypermethrin in your drinking water either!
How can I help?
Problems arise when the chemical gets into wastewater pipes leaving your home, so if you can, avoid emptying or rinsing any containers that could have been in contact with cypermethrin.
We’re asking that you take your empty containers to West Harrogate Household Waste Recycling Centre (postcode HG3 2SN), where they can be disposed of safely. Please don’t place the cypermethrin containers in your usual kerbside recycling as this will cause contamination.
How can my business help?
We’ll be working directly with business and commercial users of cypermethrin to investigate how to prevent contamination and pollution.