The Guardian: Up to 70 days of suspected illegal dumps of sewage in Windermere in 2022, analysis finds
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Researcher says data suggests permit conditions breached on up to 70 days, but United Utilities disputes findings
Suspected illegal dumping of raw sewage into Windermere took place on up to 70 days in 2022, a year in which campaigners said the lake had its worst summer of harmful algal blooms, according to analysis of data released under environmental information rules.
Prof Peter Hammond, whose research first identified the scale of illegal raw sewage discharges from English water companies, has analysed detailed data on spills and treatment by United Utilities, which was released by the Environment Agency.
His analysis concluded that permit conditions at three United Utilities treatment works and one pumping station that feed into Windermere were breached on up to 70 days over the year.
Breaches of permits are illegal, according to the EA, which is involved in a criminal investigation into potentially illegal discharges from more than 2,000 water company treatment plants across England.
