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Environment Agency carries out private sewage inspections in the Windermere catchment

The Environment Agency is dedicated to improving water quality in Lake Windermere and is working with the local community and partners through the Love Windermere Partnership to reduce pollution from various sources.

28th January 2025

The Environment Agency is absolutely committed to improving the water quality in Lake Windermere, which is why they are working closely with the local community and a range of partners through the Love Windermere Partnership, to reduce pollution from different sources.

As part of their routine regulatory work, this month, Environment Agency officers have started a round of private sewage inspections on permitted non mains sites in the Windermere catchment to reduce pollution and improve water quality.

There are 9 waste water treatment works in Windermere, 101 permitted sites  which include hotels, hostels and private properties, and approximately 1800 smaller non-mains drainage, or septic tanks, which do not require a permit.

Inspecting for compliance is part of the Environment Agency’s role as a regulator to protect people and the environment from potential pollution. Although pollution comes from multiple sources, a proportion of sewage pollution will come from these areas, so the aim is for this to be eliminated, for the future of the lake.

Evidence shows that key pollutants peaked in the 1990s. And since then, phosphorus and nitrate levels have been declining. Levels of phosphorus in Windermere are the lowest they have been since the 80’s, however, there is still more to do to continue this trend.

Andy Brown, Environment Agency Environment Planning and Engagement Manager, said:

“The Environment Agency takes its responsibility to protect the environment very seriously and we are steadfast in our role as a regulator and as a partner in Love Windermere.

“Last year the Environment Agency reviewed all United Utilities permits in the Windermere catchment and told them stricter environmental standards were needed. This has led to United Utilities tripling their initial investment proposals in the Windermere catchment. We will ensure new environmental standards are met when that investment is complete.

“Following, this, we’re now carrying out routine inspections of private sewage inspections at permitted sites throughout the Windermere area.

“As is standard practice, where equipment is found to be not compliant with permits, we offer advice and guidance to the permit holder and will audit again at an unspecified time. We find most people welcome our help and advice to ensure that their equipment is working effectively.”

Sewage pollution is just one of the pollution sources that are being tackled by the Love Windermere Partnership.

Recent improvements to sewage treatment works, driven by the Environment Agency, Ofwat and Government as part of the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP), have already led to around a 30% reduction in phosphorus entering the lake since 2020, with future improvements expected to lead to further reductions.

Levels of pollution in Windermere have reduced significantly. However, there is a lot more we can and need to do and we continue to work to bring pollution levels down from all sources to ensure that the lake is protected now and for future generations.

Monitoring water quality

The current monitoring network in the Windermere catchment is one of the most extensive in the country. The Environment Agency monitor monitor water quality at 24 locations and deploy the largest number of sondes (specialist monitoring equipment) anywhere in a geographical area in England to measure changes in water quality.  This gives the Environment Agency a host of real time data to tackle pollution as it happens.

Do you have a septic tank? 

If you own a septic tank not connected to the main sewer network, the Environment Agency are advising owners to make sure they know whether it is operating correctly. The Lake District Foundation have led a pilot septic tank emptying scheme  in Skelwith Bridge and have offered valuable advice via Call of Nature.

Working together

By working together as a partnership through Love Windermere and together with local communities who care so passionately, we can continue to reduce the amount of phosphorus in Windermere. We all have a part to play, and no action is too small to make a difference.