The local authority, Environment Agency and Yorkshire Water all have responsibilities for ensuring pollution of water does not occur. The local authority ensures that discharges from some industrial processes are controlled and are not above UK standards, and that land which is contaminated does not pollute ground or surface waters.

The Environment Agency Opens in a new window controls discharges from a wide range of industrial and commercial activities and issues discharge consents to companies and individuals. The Environment Agency brings prosecutions against those who pollute the UK's waterways. If you want to report a pollution incident then contact the Environment Agency's 24hour freephone emergency hotline 0800 807 060.

Yorkshire Water Opens in a new window ensures that the water that they supply is safe to drink and that sewage is treated and does not pollute rivers and streams

For more information contact the Environmental Protection Officer, Hambleton District Council, Civic Centre, Stone Cross, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 2UU. Tel: 0845 1211555.