DEFRA says £100 billion of private investment is fixing the sewage crisis. But when Save Windermere asked for proof, OFWAT made it clear: the money is coming from customers, not shareholders. This blog exposes how the public is footing the bill while water companies continue to profit—and why it’s time for real legislative change to protect Windermere.

Save Windermere and AAFAF have uncovered dangerously high levels of ammoniacal nitrogen at the Langdale Wastewater Treatment Works—where no ammonia discharge limit is currently enforced. With fish kills possible under current conditions and no investment in over a decade, this site represents a potential environmental disaster. The government must act now to protect Windermere before irreversible damage is done.

One of Windermere’s official bathing sites has been closed due to a potentially toxic algal bloom. Save Windermere says this highlights a deeper issue: current water quality classifications offer a dangerously incomplete picture, failing to reflect the growing risks from sewage pollution and harmful algae blooms.

We’re proud to announce that Save Windermere’s founder and director, Matt Staniek, has been named on the 2025 ENDS Power List, recognising the 100 individuals making the biggest impact on the UK’s environmental policy — and specifically, one of only 18 campaigners acknowledged for shaping green policy and legislation over the past two years.

New report reveals Windermere suffered its worst year yet for illegal sewage spills in 2024, with 140 days of unlawful discharges by United Utilities.

Save Windermere has achieved a historic milestone in the fight against sewage pollution. The UK government has pledged to work towards eliminating all sewage discharges into Windermere—but the fight isn’t over. Read our latest statement on this breakthrough and how we must turn ambition into action to protect England’s largest lake for future generations.

New data reveals United Utilities dumped untreated sewage into Windermere for 6,327 hours in 2024 alone, adding to a staggering 33,410 hours since 2020. Despite claims of investment and transparency, sewage pollution remains unchanged, prioritising profits over protection.

Save Windermere Launches New Campaign for Non-Mains Drains. United Utilities and the government have ignored existing legislation that allows non-mains properties to connect to the public sewer system—leaving Windermere at risk. Our latest campaign provides a step-by-step guide for residents and businesses to take action, while we push for an amendment to the Ministerial Code to ensure environmental concerns come first.

We’re thrilled to announce that Matt Staniek has been named one of Big Issue’s Top 100 Changemakers of 2025! Recognised for his tireless dedication to protecting Windermere, Matt’s efforts led to a historic £190 million investment in England’s largest lake. This recognition celebrates not only Matt, but the entire campaign striving to end sewage pollution and secure Windermere’s future.

Save Windermere and WASP introduced non-toxic fluorescein dye into Cunsey Beck to investigate flaws in the Environment Agency's water-quality monitoring. Our findings revealed that the EA’s poorly positioned Sondes monitor may be failing to detect sewage spills from the main pollution source, raising serious concerns about its effectiveness.

Save Windermere secures a major victory as United Utilities withdraws their appeal, releasing crucial environmental data after years of campaigning. Discover how relentless advocacy led to greater transparency for England’s largest lake.

The following report outlines the findings of our extensive investigation into Far Sawrey WwTW. Save Windermere asserts that the site is fundamentally not fit for purpose with several operational and maintenance issues exposed. We have also quantified the substantial, chronic adverse impact that the site is having on the freshwater ecology of Wilfin Beck.

From exposing illegal spills to securing £200M investment—thank you for making 2024 one of our most impactful years yet. Let’s make 2025 the year we secure Windermere’s future!

Over 500 days with illegal sewage discharges have been exposed in Windermere, as United Utilities’ untreated spills go unchecked. This blog delves into the shocking data, the regulatory failures, and Save Windermere’s call for accountability to protect England’s largest lake.

Our latest investigation exposes the shocking illegal dumping of over 140 million litres of sewage into Windermere by United Utilities. Read on to see the full analysis reported by the BBC and what actions we're demanding to protect our lake.

The time has come for bold action to fix our broken water industry. Our report, co-authored with Professor Ewan McGaughey, calls on the government to place failing water companies into Special Administration. Supported by a coalition of leading experts and campaign groups, we outline how this legal tool can end illegal sewage discharges, cancel unmanageable debt, and prioritise environmental protection over shareholder profits.

United Utilities proposes a £150 million investment in Windermere following the Save Windermere campaign's efforts. But is this enough to solve decades of sewage pollution and underinvestment? Read our response to UU's latest move and why we're pushing for a real, long-term solution to protect Windermere.

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Matt Staniek has won the prestigious 2024 Tenacious Awards, recognising his relentless dedication to preserving Windermere and its natural beauty.

The Lake District National Park Authority is reviewing a planning application that could significantly impact the health of Windermere. This application proposes increasing the sewage load directed to a decommissioned wastewater treatment plant, despite the existing cesspit's history of overflow problems. We need your help to hold the LDNPA accountable.

We are on a ship, heading towards an iceberg, and the captain and crew have no interest in changing course. This is the trajectory that Steve Reed, OFWAT, and DEFRA are on, despite the public's overwhelming desire to overhaul England’s failing water industry.