Windermere is safe and thousands of people recently enjoyed the Great North Swim from the Brockhole Visitor Centre lakeshore. There are four main bathing water areas in Windermere that are monitored by the Environment Agency during the official Bathing Water Season (May to September) and have been rated Excellent since 2015. Bathing sites around Windermere include: Rayrigg Meadow, Millerground, Lakeside YMCA and Fellfoot. Bathing water profile (data.gov.uk)  

Windermere like many large bodies of water, faces environmental challenges, including issues with water quality due to climate change and pollution. The lake is regularly monitored by the Environment Agency, Centre of Ecology and Hydrology, Citizen Science projects and many other organisations. Water quality can fluctuate based on various factors such as rainfall, rural and agricultural runoff and wastewater management.  

Water quality updates are frequently made available to ensure public safety and businesses can direct visitors to the latest information on safe swimming and water activities. It’s important to reassure visitors that Windermere is a beautiful place to visit, and by adhering to safety guidelines and following any public health advisories they can enjoy the lake responsibly.  

Bathing water quality (data.gov.uk) 

Blue-Green Algae in Cumbria and Lancashire – Environment Agency – Citizen Space 

Storm overflow map | United Utilities – Better Rivers 

A number of proactive and collaborative programmes are being implemented to improve lake water quality. This includes: 

• Monitoring: Regular programmes by partners and external organisations measure water quality for bacteria and nutrients levels and identify areas of concern.  

• Restoration: Projects to reduce urban and agricultural runoff, improve wastewater treatments and sewage treatments. 

• Community Involvement: Initiates like the “BIG Windermere Survey” ran by the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) and Lancaster University, encourage citizen scientists to contribute to monitoring the lake’s health and provide another data source of information about water quality. 

• Partnership Collaboration: Working with local communities, businesses, environment organisations and government bodies to tackle pollution sources collectively.   

Windermere’s water quality is improving, with phosphorous levels steadily declining since the 1990s. However, ongoing challenges, including rural and urban ruff off, private septic systems, storm overflows, and climate change, require continued action. 

Warming lake temperatures caused by climate change can exacerbate algae blooms, underscoring the need for combined efforts to safeguard the lakes future.  

For more information, see the Environment Agency’s blog: Environment Agency explains that pollution in Windermere is reducing but more needs to be done to tackle all sources of pollution, not just sewage – Creating a better place (blog.gov.uk)  

The Love Windermere Partnership is committed to supporting local businesses through:  

• Resources and Advice: Providing guidance on how to minimise your environmental impact and contribute positively to the health of Windermere. This could involve effective management of sewage, using eco-friendly products such as phosphorus-free detergents or education staff and visitors on water safety. Download the Love Windermere – Property Pack – Help with sewage system and septic tanks Cumbria – Call of Nature. You can visit the Call of Nature website for further information here: https://callofnature.info 

• Community Engagement: Offering opportunities for businesses to get involved in campaigns, volunteer days and local initiatives that support the sustainability of the lake. The Lake District Foundation offer opportunities for local and national businesses to support clean water initiatives around Windermere. Email info@lakedistrictfoundation.org to find out more.     

• Collaborative Opportunities: As a business owner, you can partner with Love Windermere for joint projects, such as promoting environmental awareness or sponsoring community efforts that align with your brand values.   

By working with Love Windermere, your business can play an active role in ensuring the long-term health of the lake while enhancing your reputation as a responsible, eco-friendly business. 

There are several ways your business can contribute to the protection and preservation of Windermere: 

• Stay informed: Sign up to the Love Windermere newsletter to keep updated on the latest news, initiatives and ways to get involved.  

• Educate Visitors: Share accurate information with visitors about water quality and preventing the spread of invasive plants and animals in our waters. Encourage them to follow the Check Clean Dry » NNSS guidelines, and report sightings of invasive non-native species (INNS) via the INNS Mapper app or website covering England, Wales and Scotland INNS control. 

• Promote Sustainable Practices: Use eco-friendly cleaning products and avoid harmful chemicals that contribute to water pollution. Properly maintain septic tanks or package treatment plants by following best practised and ensuring regular checks. Prevent blockages by disposing of fatty waste, wet wipes, and nappies responsibility. Encourage visitors to properly manage waste on boats, use official pump-out locations and avoid polluting the lake. Even small changes, like choosing phosphate-free products, can make a big difference in protecting Windermere’s delicate ecosystem. Download the Love Windermere – Property Pack – Help with sewage system and septic tanks Cumbria – Call of Nature.  

• Reducing fertiliser:Take extra care when using fertilisers on lawns, gardens and farmland that can ultimately end up in the lake – and pay attention to the forecast – don’t spread if it’s going to rain.

• Get Involved: Participate in local campaigns such as the “BIG Windermere Survey”, or your local Rivers Trusts and wildlife groups. Encourage your staff and customers to volunteer or get involved in conservation efforts. 

• Lakeshore landowners and operators: Be vigilant. If you suspect a blue green algae in your area report it via theCentre for Ecology and Hydrology’s ‘Bloomin Algae’ which will then be confirmed by the Environment Agency.Download the advice on blue green algae here. If you do have a confirmed case, you can help by displaying a blue-green algae incident sign when a bloom has been confirmed by the Environment Agency. Please date the sign and remove it once the bloom has dispersed. Download a free sign from the Lake District National Park website:  Blue green algae: Lake District National Park.

• Spread the Word: Share the mission of Love Windermere through your business channels, including your social media, your newsletters, or in-person discussions with visitors, helping us to build a broader awareness and advocacy.  

By taking these steps, your business will not only help protect Windermere but also demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability, which can be a draw for eco-conscious visitors.  

No, Windermere has four designated excellent bathing waters and there are regular successful events on the lake; this includes the 2024 Great North Swim, which attracted more than 4,000 swimmers, Windermere Triathlons, Windermere Row, Aquasphere Chillswim and many more events. 

Currently, Cumbria Tourism’s research does not show a significant decrease in visitor numbers to the area.  

It is vital that all agencies and partners continue working together to protect our waterways and to develop an evidence-based plan to bring about a healthy future for the lake and the surrounding area – balancing the needs of nature, the community and the local economy.