The water firm was issued the fine at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty in February to polluting Ingbirchworth Dike near Barnsley, the Environment Agency said. The incident saw Ingbirchworth Water Treatment Works illegally discharge chlorinated water into the watercourse, which connects Ingbirchworth and Scout Dike reservoirs, for nearly a month in 2017, the agency said. Jacqui Tootill, water industry regulation manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said: “This pollution was not caused by an unforeseen event or extreme weather. “We’re pleased Yorkshire Water has now been dealt with by the courts following our investigation.”Yorkshire Water was fined £865,000, and ordered to pay costs of £34,979.79 and a victim surcharge of £170. They added: “We’ve also invested in improved monitoring and equipment at Ingbirchworth water treatment works.

Source: The Times July 31, 2025 12:39 UTC