
Campaign Updates
Surfers Against Sewage Join Save Windermere's Weekly Strike
Surfers Against Sewage kicked-off their UK Election Road-Trip at Save Windermere’s weekly Strike Against Sewage.
United Utilities illegally dumps over 10 million litres of untreated sewage into Windermere in one night
United Utilities has illegally dumped over 10 million litres of untreated sewage into Windermere. Once again the Environment Agency has demonstrated that it isn't fit for purpose after another shoddy investigation has landed them in hot water.
Save Windermere is back from space…
Save Windermere, in partnership with Map Impact, embarked on a groundbreaking data collection program, backed by the UK Space Agency, to study Windermere. Now we are incredibly excited to announce that we have the results!
Feargal Sharkey to Join Strike Against Sewage · 8 April
The Save Windermere campaign will be joined by special guest Feargal Sharkey for their weekly strike against sewage pollution.
The strike will be held on Monday 8th April from 9-10am outside United Utilities Information Center, 8 Crescent Road, Windermere, LA23 1EA.
2023 Storm Overflow Performance Data Released: Save Windermere slams disgusting extent of untreated sewage in England’s largest lake
United Utilities’ 2023/24 EDM storm overflow data highlights significant sewage spilling in the Windermere catchment, pointing to regulatory failures and a lack of action from United Utilities. Save Windermere demands improved monitoring, adherence to the law, and accountability to safeguard public health and the environment.
Windermere’s Bathing Water, Part 1 - Cyanobacteria
In this two-part series we will explore swimming in Windermere. The ‘quality’ of the bathing water in Windermere is monitored by the EA, but as this mini-series will demonstrate, the EA’s reporting on bathing water quality is often misleading and, in our opinion, should not be used as a reliable indicator when deciding whether it is safe to enter the water. Part 1 focusses on the risks of Cyanobacteria and the inadequacies of sampling and monitoring of BGA.
New Report: Invertebrate Sampling programme finds shocking declines in species below United Utilities assets
We are thrilled to unveil the annual summary of our primary data collection initiative conducted in collaboration with WildFish. Although we are appalled by the findings. Read the full report and watch the film here.
EA Permit Review: Analysis of Near Sawrey WwTW in the Windermere Catchment
Discover the failures of the Environmental Agency in the Windermere catchment through an in-depth analysis of a single permit issued to the Near Sawrey wastewater treatment site. This examination uncovers several concerning issues, including unrestricted phosphorus discharges, high ammoniacal nitrogen levels, frequent untreated sewage spills, and discrepancies in monitoring and flow measurement.
Matt Staniek nominated by Michaela Strachan in County Living’s ‘14 Names to Know for 2024’
Matt Staniek nominated by Michaela Strachan in County Living’s ‘14 Names to Know for 2024’
Happy New Year from Save Windermere 🎉
2023 has been a whirlwind of a year for the Save Windermere campaign. Since our first event in February, we’ve achieved a huge amount, thanks mainly to our incredible supporters, partners and our amazing team.
We wanted to share some of the highlights from this year and wish you all a very happy new year. We also want to say a huge thank you for making our first year as a community interest company such a success.
Matt Staniek named in The Sunday Times alternative honours of 2023
We are very proud that Matt has been named in The Sunday Times alternative honours of 2023. See the full list here and read why Matt has been chosen.
Save Windermere campaign urgently demands an independent inquiry into the failure of water industry regulation
The Save Windermere campaign urgently demands an immediate independent public inquiry into the failure of water industry regulation by the Environment Agency in the Cumbria and Lancashire Area. The inquiry should focus on the regulation of United Utilities within the Windermere catchment in the Lake District National Park.
Cunsey Beck Fish Kill: A Letter to the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency
Save Windermere is demanding a re-opening of the Cunsey Beck fish kill investigation in light of evidence obtained through Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests which highlighted the inadequacies of the investigation.
Save Windermere demands Environment Agency reopens Cunsey Beck fish kill investigation
Save Windermere calls for the Cunsey Beck fish kill investigation to be reopened by the Environment Agency, considering the revelations exposed in BBC Panorama documentary.
Save Windermere’s Response: An Invitation to Love Windermere Stakeholder Workshop
Save Windermere’s response to the Love Windermere partnership’s stakeholder workshop in November 2023.
BBC Panorama investigates United Utilities and the Environment Agency
The Save Windermere campaign is featured in an upcoming Panorama investigative documentary, titled “The Water Pollution Cover-Up”, airing on BBC1, Monday 4th December at 8pm.
Illegal Sewage Discharges and Who Pays?
Save Windermere EIR requests uncover illegality within Windermere catchment. Illegal spilling in 2022 on 15 days at Ambleside, 21 days at Near Sawrey, up to 12 days at Grasmere, and between 10 and 22 days at Hawkshead. OFWAT and Environment Agency must urgently act to enforce law against water companies. Water companies, not customers, must pay to end illegal sewage discharges.
The Save Windermere Strike Against Sewage: Our Battle for Clean Water
Hmm, how can we get United Utilities to pay attention? Let’s try a different approach, and no we aren't going to glue ourselves to anything.
Every Monday from 9am to 10am, a member of the Save Windermere team will be planting themselves right in front of the United Utilities Information Center, in the heart of Windermere.
This will be an opportunity for all those who oppose United Utilities’ discharging of sewage into our lake to come and stand their ground in the Strike Against Sewage.
Windermere, We Have a Problem
Now THIS is exciting. Save Windermere has partnered with Map Impact and the UK Space Agency in what we believe is the most innovative data collection project ever constructed to study the inputs into England's most iconic body of water, Windermere.
The Truth About the UK's Sewage Network
It's time to set the record straight. Victorian sewers are not to blame, whilst 80% of sewage spills are linked to inadequate capacity. Read on to learn the truth about the UK's sewage network and why we need to fight to save Windermere from sewage pollution.