Analysis of data released under environmental information rules has shown that 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.
Prof Peter Hammond, whose research first identified the scale of illegal raw sewage discharges from English water companies, analysed detailed data on spills and treatment by United Utilities, which was released by the Environment Agency.
His analysis, among other things, 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.
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, Breaches of permits are illegal.
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In the summer of 2022, reports show that blue-green algae covered much of the north shore of Windermere, which is England’s largest natural lake and a world heritage site, in what campaigners said was its worst incidence of the algal blooms. The Environment Agency says blue-green algae can produce toxins that can kill wild animals, livestock and pets and harm people.
The blooms damage the biodiversity of a lake by blocking sunlight from reaching plants in the water and using up oxygen, which can suffocate fish and other creatures. Matt Staniek, of the campaign group Save Windermere, requested data from the Environment Agency on spills and treatment at water treatment works at Ambleside, North Sawrey, Grasmere and a pumping station at Hawkshead.
Hammond’s analysis also found that discharges of raw sewage took place in breach of permits across the year. There were breaches over 15 days at Ambleside, 21 days at North Sawrey, up to 12 days at Grasmere and up to 22 days at Hawkshead.
Story was adapted from the Guardian.
