Yorkshire Water switches on £110m clean water scheme
A £110m project to improve water quality around 10 Yorkshire beaches has been completed.
Hi-tech waste water equipment is being turned on at sites in Scarborough, Bridlington, Flamborough, Filey and Skipsea.
Yorkshire Water said the work, which began in 2010, would mean water being discharged back into East Yorkshire's coast was "cleaner than ever".
It is hoped the investment will lead to more beaches gaining Blue Flag awards.
Only two beaches in Yorkshire were awarded Blue Flag status in 2013 - North Bay in Scarborough and Whitby.
A spokesman for Yorkshire Water said: "This investment is part of a massive multi-agency effort to raise the standard of all designated bathing waters along Yorkshire's 150 mile coastline.
"The Yorkshire Bathing Water Partnership was formed in 2010, with Yorkshire Water, the Environment Agency, local councils and Welcome to Yorkshire grouping together.
"Yorkshire Water's investment has been a big part of the partnership's work and, now operational, the new facilities provide the best possible way of dealing with excess waste water at times of heavy or prolonged rainfall."
The project includes the building of new storm water storage tanks, pumps and UV treatment to remove bugs from the water.
Stephen Parnaby, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "Clean beaches are an important part of the East Riding's tourism offer and regaining Blue Flag status is high on the council's list of priorities."
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "We believe Yorkshire has some of the best coastline and beaches in the country and this huge amount of work will mean we are safeguarding the future of this fantastic asset - not just for visitors coming here now but for future generations."