UK Government Pledges to End Sewage Pollution in Windermere

Environment Secretary Steve Reed announces plans to restore England's largest lake, but lacks a legally binding timeline.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed has committed to ensuring 'only rainwater' enters Lake Windermere, ending both untreated and treated sewage discharges.
A £200 million investment by United Utilities will upgrade wastewater treatment infrastructure, with plans to drastically reduce storm overflow spills by 2030.
Campaigners welcomed the announcement but called for legally binding commitments and detailed timelines to ensure accountability.
A feasibility study will explore solutions, including rerouting wastewater and adopting global best practices, but experts warn of high costs and long timelines.
Windermere, a UNESCO World Heritage site and key economic driver, faces pollution from outdated infrastructure, private sewage systems, and climate change impacts.