Overview
- A coalition that includes United Utilities published a feasibility study on Wednesday that found it is technically possible to stop wastewater and highway runoff entering Windermere by building a multi‑mile tunnel and new treatment infrastructure.
- The study narrowed design options to two preferred models and estimated capital costs of £3.6–£3.7 billion for a tunnel of roughly 10–12 miles that would convey wastewater to advanced treatment facilities.
- Authors say the scheme could expand catchment wastewater infrastructure by up to 75%, connect about 12,800 people to public sewers, and require as much as 138km of new sewer and runoff‑capture works.
- Two discharge destinations are under consideration — the River Leven or the Irish Sea near Ulverston — and the report sets out funding scenarios that would either add up to £3.17 a month to United Utilities bills or spread costs nationally at about 35p a month.
- Before any construction can begin, DEFRA and regulators must commission further appraisal and a government decision is needed on planning, detailed design and how the multi‑billion cost will be apportioned, with backers saying the project could deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits for the Lake District.