Press & Media
Far Sawrey WwTW Site Review and Ecological Damage on Wilfin Beck
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.
Big Issue: 'In the world of campaigning, hope is essential'
Matt Staniek, the founder of Save Windermere reflects on a year of tireless campaigning.
2024 Highlights: A Landmark Year for Saving Windermere
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!
Leigh Day: Windermere pollution “a national disgrace”
Windermere has once again been in the news for the wrong reasons, after the Observer, working with Professor Peter Hammond, reported their analysis that United Utilities allegedly discharged illegally into Windermere on more than 500 days from 2018 to 2023.
True Extent of United Utilities’ Illegal Sewage Discharges in Windermere Exposed
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.
The Guardian: United Utilities refuses to hand over data on sewage discharges into Windermere
United Utilities refuses to hand over data on sewage discharges into Windermere. Water company claims information is not in the public interest despite widespread pollution of UK waters.
The Guardian: ‘It’s a national disgrace’: fury at sewage-filled Windermere over toxic algae and dead fish
Campaigners blame United Utilities for blighting famous lake with raw effluent.
The Guardian: UK ‘falling behind’ on sewage pollution regulation while EU tightens rules
The UK is falling further behind on sewage pollution regulation as the EU tightens its rules to clean up Europe’s waterways, say critics.
The Guardian: Thousands of blue-clad protesters join London march for clean water
More than 130 organisations take part in protest demanding government action over country’s sewage crisis
BBC: Calls for overhaul of sewage discharge recording
Campaigners have called for changes to how sewage discharge is recorded. Water companies currently only have to record how long sewage is pumped into rivers and not how much is released.
The Times: The Times view on sewage dumping in Windermere, Murky Waters
The illegal discharges into the Lake District’s most famous lake and the failure to report them is destroying the UK’s natural treasure.
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.