Stop Polluting the Ouseburn

Liberal Democrats across the city have launched a campaign calling for an end to sewage pollution in the Ouseburn.

During heavy rain, untreated sewage is allowed to be discharged through a series of outfall pipes mainly controlled by Northumbrian Water. Across the length of the Ouseburn, there were 228 incidents in 2022, with over 910 million litres of contaminated water running into the river.

Many people enjoy walking along and relaxing by the river, particularly in locations like Jesmond Dene. But a study by Newcastle University scientists in Jesmond Dene found the water contained faecal bacterial levels around 100 times higher than bathing water standards – leading to a risk of diarrhoea or another gastrointestinal disease.

Petition to clean up the Ouseburn

Commenting on the campaign to reduce pollution in the Ouseburn, Liberal Democrats Parliamentary spokesperson Mark Ridyard said: “We aim to put pressure on the Council to warn residents of the current dangers of playing in the Ouseburn; to press the Government and the Environment Agency to monitor water quality in real time; and for Northumbrian Water to invest in sustainable drainage schemes to better manage heavy rainfall and to end the practice of discharging untreated sewage into the river.”

You can find out more and sign our petition by following the link below: