3 July 2025

Led by South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT) and delivered in partnership with the Lake District Foundation (LDF), the Windermere Septic Tank Emptying Project (STEP) aims to reduce pollution from poorly managed or failing septic tanks- an issue affecting many properties across the area. When not maintained properly, these systems can leak harmful bacteria, nutrients and chemicals into nearby rivers, lakes and groundwater, affecting water quality and damaging freshwater habitats.

Funded by the UK Government, the project will work directly with homeowners, businesses and communities to better manage private sewage and reduce its environmental impact.

Over the next year, STEP will focus on Troutbeck, Grasmere, Far Sawrey and Esthwaite- areas identified through the Love Windermere Partnership’s work as having high concentrations of non-mains drainage systems.

The project combines door-to-door assessments, local engagement through parish councils and holiday cottage companies, and tailored support for businesses. Some properties will also receive technical advice and access to a funded emptying programme.

Rachael Halhead, Partnerships and Engagement Manager at SCRT said.

“One of the key objectives is to test different engagement approaches and learn what works best; that way, learning will help shape a national toolkit for managing private sewage in other areas.”

Alongside this, a new mapping programme will be developed to assess and prioritise properties with the highest risk of causing pollution, using a bespoke risk assessment tool.

This project supports the wider aims of the Love Windermere Partnership- delivering targeted, science-led action to improve water quality and protect the long-term health of Windermere.

South Cumbria Rivers Trust: scrt.co.uk

Lake District Foundation: lakedistrictfoundation.org