A public health warning has been issued after tests revealed consistently high levels of pollution in parts of Wensleydale’s river network.
Campaign group Stop Ure Pollution (SUP) has raised concerns about water quality at Aysgarth Falls and Ulshaw Bridge following months of monitoring.
SUP chairman Richard Loukota warned visitors to take precautions when visiting the popular beauty spots.
He said people should “be generally very careful” around the falls and practise good hygiene, including hand washing after visiting the area.
Dog owners have also been urged to remain cautious, with reports of animals becoming ill after entering the water.
Since July 2025, SUP volunteers have been carrying out regular testing using specialist equipment funded by Surfers Against Sewage.
Results from recent tests show a worrying trend. While a brief improvement was recorded earlier this year following heavy rainfall, the latest readings indicate a return to high-risk levels of pollution.
Endotoxin risk levels at Aysgarth Falls have risen back into the “red” category in recent weeks, while separate testing has also recorded a significant increase in E. coli levels.
SUP says the pollution is likely to stem from a combination of sewer overflows and agricultural runoff.
The group has also secured nearly £20,000 in funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which will support continued testing and monitoring work.
Warning signs are set to be installed at key locations, including Aysgarth Falls, to alert visitors to the potential risks of entering the water.
Further river surveys are planned later this year in partnership with Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust, with much of the work carried out by SUP’s team of volunteers.
SUP has thanked supporters for helping to fund its ongoing efforts to monitor water quality across the area.
For more information including water sampling test results see https://stopurepollution.co.uk/
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