YORKSHIRE Water is investing almost £8m across two North Yorkshire water treatment sites as part of an effort to meet new environmental targets.

The utility company, which has several reservoirs in the county, said it would be injecting millions of pounds into its sites to improve the quality of wastewater returned to the environment.

Across two wastewater treatment works, more than £5.2m is being spent at its Thirsk site and £2.5m is being spent at Bedale.

Mark Allsop of Yorkshire Water said: "This work will build on Yorkshire Water’s vision for Taking Responsibility for the Water Environment for Good.

"We’re committed to doing everything we can to improve our local environment.

"By completing this work we’ll exceed our target to reduce phosphorus and ensure the water we return to the environment is of the highest quality and deliver significant environmental benefits, and in particular to aquatic life."

The investment is part of a £70m investment across 16 of Yorkshire Water's wastewater treatment sites.

The government wants water companies to reduce phosphorus, as it can lead to plant and algae growth causing a depletion of oxygen in water.