Campaign Updates
Over 140 million litres of sewage illegally dumped into Windermere
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.
Time to End the Sewage Scandal: Why Special Administration is the Solution
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' Latest "Proposal" for Windermere: A Step in the Right Direction, But Let's Not Get Too Excited
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.
Staniek Wins 2024 Tenacious Award
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.
Is the Lake District National Park Authority ignoring a new sewage threat to Windermere?
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.
Are you paying twice for sewage spilling?
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.
June 2024 Blue Green Algae samples exceeded WHO limits for recreational use of Windermere
As part of our ongoing scientific monitoring of Windermere, we undertook sampling of a localised but extensive algal bloom at Waterhead on 25th June 2024. The cyanobacteria concentrations exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) limits for recreational use of the lake.
Save Windermere March Draws 1,000 Supporters and Celebrities, Calling for Greater Protection Ahead of Election
On Saturday, 29th June, over 1,000 passionate supporters gathered in Windermere for the Save Windermere March, demanding greater protection for England’s largest lake. The event saw an incredible turnout, with local residents, environmental activists, and notable celebrities coming together in a unified call to action.
Save Windermere launches statutory nuisance complaint against United Utilities sewage discharging
Save Windermere, working with environmental barrister Nicholas Ostrowski, is demanding that Westmorland and Furness Council immediately investigate a statutory nuisance complaint made by the campaigning group.
Labour commits to ‘cleaning up’ Windermere
In a major win for Save Windermere, Labour’s environment secretary, Steve Reed, has announced they will prioritise Windermere in their plan to clean up Britain’s waterways.
Celebrities to join Save Windermere march against sewage on 29th June
Save Windermere is holding a march to protest against sewage pollution in England’s largest lake. The march will be attended by a host of celebrity guests, including Coogan and Mack who will once again join the campaign.
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’

