7 March 2025

The issue of wastewater management in the Windermere catchment has been an ongoing priority for the Love Windermere Partnership. We welcome recent campaigns raising awareness of the contribution private wastewater has on Windermere. 

Connecting to the mains can be an effective solution for some properties that use package treatment plants, septic tanks, or cesspools to dispose of their household’s wastewater especially where their drainage causing pollution to the local environment.  

Ongoing Work to Address This Issue 

In the Windermere catchment there are 89 privately owned sewage systems with a permit from the Environment Agency and estimated 2,000 other properties operating under General Binding Rules and not connected to the sewer network and are not required to have a legal permit to discharge. The SAGIS Source Apportionment modelling shows the contribution these make to nutrient inputs to Windermere. 

Love Windermere and its partners have been actively collaborating with local communities to raise awareness of how non-mains wastewater treatment can impact Windermere. Initiatives such as Call of Nature campaign provide free information to support property owners on septic tank maintenance and best practices, fostering a healthier environment for all.  

The Environment Agency is inspecting all permitted private wastewater systems in the Windermere catchment as part of their regulatory work.  The inspections are an important part in reducing the impact of these sites on Windermere. 

United Utilities is gathering interest in pilot areas to understand support for potential first time sewerage schemes, these areas have a higher volume of septic tanks in the locality.  Love Windermere Partners are working with United Utilities to explore how this can be combined with existing and planned community engagement.  This data will inform future decision-making and ensure that investment is targeted effectively. 

We hope that Save Windermere’s latest campaign will raise public awareness of privately managed sewage treatment and the important mechanism offered by First Time Sewerage that might be the best solution for some locations.  Working together with local people, businesses and organisations is ultimately what will enable significant steps towards protecting Windermere’s water quality. 

The Love Windermere Partnership recognises the importance of a well-functioning drainage system and in the respective roles of Partners we will continue to provide regulation, and guidance and develop innovative solutions to support our resident and visiting population. It’s not merely about convenience but also about safeguarding the health and well-being of our community. 

Points to consider 

While First Time Sewerage is an important mechanism to help reduce impacts from private sewage treatment.  Connecting properties to the mains sewerage system presents some challenges that require thoughtful planning and collaboration.  These include: 

• Community Coordination: A duty can only arise under section 101A if new sewerage infrastructure would serve more than one property. The first step is to work together as a community, ask your neighbours about their connections and coordinate your application as a community. Alternatively, contact your Parish Council to see if they can support your application for infrastructure investment. Unfortunately, if you live in an isolated property, it may not be the best solution for your needs, and it may be better to look into ways you can enhance your current system.  

• Infrastructure & Costs: While there is no charge for applications, there maybe costs associated with connecting to any sewer that is provided. You can find useful information on the United Utilities’ website about First Time Sewage application process https://www.unitedutilities.com/builders-developers/wastewater-services/sewer-connections/first-time-sewerage/ 

• Regulatory & Environmental Considerations: Property owners are encouraged to consider legal and environmental regulations when thinking about connecting to the mains system. It’s important to make informed decisions that not only comply with the law but also benefit our community and environment. 

Who can apply?  

Two or more properties served by one or more domestic sewer drainage systems, that are not connected to the public sewer and where an existing or likely environmental or amenity issue cannot be solved by repairing or maintaining the current drainage. This includes pollution of water bodies, as well as issues like smell or public health concerns, provided that a public sewer is the most appropriate solution.  

Important Notes 

The local authority has a power to require connection to public sewer that’s within 30m of a building in certain circumstances.  There are limitations, particularly in relation to whether the householder has 3^rd party land rights and the relative level of the property and the sewer.  

Furthermore, only domestic sewage will be permitted for discharge, although this can come from either residential or commercial premises and any additional connections for trade effluent or surface water drainage will require separate applications. 

The Environment Agency have a formal role in any appeals in the process of applying for First Time Sewerage, they must therefore remain slightly separate from work with communities exploring the option.  The Environment Agency can provide information to applicants and UU but will not express a view as to whether they support particular applications. 

As the Love Windermere Partnership continues its dedication to enhancing the drainage systems in the area, community involvement and awareness remain pivotal. Protecting Windermere’s water quality is a collective responsibility, and by working together, residents can take meaningful steps towards a healthier environment.