Celebrating World Water Day: How you can help protect Windermere 

Every year, on the 22nd of March, the world comes together to celebrate World Water Day— a moment to reflect on the vital role water plays in our lives and the urgent need to protect this precious resource. Here in Windermere, we see first hand how water shapes our landscape, supports our communities, and sustains local wildlife. However, the lake also faces increasing pressures from people and climate change.

The Love Windermere Partnership, believe that as organisations with responsibilities for water quality we should be doing more to help improve water quality but that collective action—however big or small—can make a real difference. This World Water Day, we’re encouraging everyone to take part by making small, everyday changes that can help protect Windermere and can be applied to help water sources around the world.

How You Can Get Involved 

1. Spread Awareness: One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to contribute is to spread the word. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the challenges Windermere faces using the latest facts and data by visiting the Science and Insights page. You may already have engaged with the ‘Hello Lampost’ chat AI at Millerground and Rayrigg.

2. Adopt Nutrient Saving Habits: By making small changes at home, you can help reduce your impact on Windermere.  Use eco-friendly products, the use of phosphates in domestic detergents such as dishwasher tablets and laundry detergent was banned by 2017 but low levels of phosphates still exist in some products and many contain other chemicals that affect water quality.  Remember the little bugs in septic tanks that treat the waste really don’t like bleach and other harsh chemicals. 

3. Find Out Where Your Wastewater Goes: While many homes and businesses are connected to United Utilities network, many homes and businesses in this area are not.  To enable you to do your bit for Windermere it is important you know which you have.  

• Get free advice on maintaining your septic tank by downloading the the Property Pack – Help with sewage system and septic tanks Cumbria – Call of Nature 
• Talk to your neighbours about where their wastewater goes, you might decide to come together and explore First Time Sewage options. Details can be found on United Utilities website First Time Sewerage | United Utilities.

4. Every Drop Counts:  While we generally have plenty of water in Cumbria, it’s always worth remembering water is a precious resource. To help you can:

• Take shorter showers – Cutting your shower time by just a few minutes saves litres of water.
• Fix leaks – A dripping tap can waste thousands of litres each year.

 3. Get Active with Plogging : Windermere is a place for everyone to enjoy, and keeping it clean is a shared responsibility. This World Water Day, why not try Plogging—a Swedish-inspired activity that combines jogging, hiking, or dog walking with litter picking? Whether you take a palk (plogging walk) or a pike (blogging hike), every piece of litter removed makes a difference. 

4. Support Water Conservation Efforts – If you want to take your impact further, consider donating to a water-related cause. Your contribution can support initiatives that improve water quality, restore habitats, and educate communities about conversation. At Love Windermere, we work closely with partners to fund and deliver projects that make tangible differences to the lake’s health. Find out more Cleaner Lakes – The Lake District Foundation – Charity of the Lake District 

 

Every Action Counts 

World Water Day is a reminder that water connects us all, and by taking even small steps, we can collectively create a healthier future for Windermere. Whether you switch to eco-friendly products, go on a mission to understand where your wastewater goes and how you can look after any system you own, go for a palk or simply start a conversation about water quality, your actions matter.  

Let’s celebrate World Water Day together by making a positive impact on Windermere and beyond.  

 

Stay updated 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about the latest science, the work Love Windermere Partners are doing and more ways you can get involved. Newsletter sign up: Newsletter – Love Windermere