A Turning Point: Significant Public Commitments from United Utilities

On Friday, I sat on stage with the Chief Executive of United Utilities, Louise Beardmore at the Lake District Book Festival.

A few key public commitments:

United Utilities committed to ending sewage pollution in Windermere.

United Utilities acknowledged that sewage is the primary driver of the issues our lake is facing and that we need to go beyond current investment.

From the moment the spades hit the ground, we could have an end to sewage entering Windermere, Grasmere, Elterwater, Esthwaite, Blelham Tarn, Rydal and the surrounding rivers in just seven years.

The engineering study, completed in July and published in September, will outline the engineering roadmap, economic appraisal and environmental benefits of ending sewage pollution in our lake.

We have been overseeing this study. We have ensured that the outcome reflects what our lake needs, and we have made it clear that we will not stop until our lake is free from sewage.

United Utilities has come a long way throughout our campaign. From denying the problem, to having the organisation’s leader agreeing with us on what needs to happen to protect our lake for the next century and beyond.

You have to give Louise a lot of credit for getting the company to this stage and for being willing to sit on stage next to me and have this conversation.

Now is our moment to end sewage pollution in Windermere. We have never been closer. Now is the time to increase the pressure and make sure this commitment turns into action.

Thank you to everyone that has helped the campaign to this point.

Matt