Water tests reveal ‘worrying’ pollution at Windermere

NEW citizen science water quality testing of Windermere has revealed “really concerning” pollution in England's largest and most famous lake.

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Following the results, which showed levels of harmful bacteria and phosphorus that fail water quality standards and identified “hotspots” for pollution, campaigners have called for “decisive action” to improve the lake for people and the environment.

Surveying saw 350 volunteers collecting more than 1,000 samples of water from Windermere, in the Lake District, during 10 sessions that took place over two-and-a-half years at more than 100 locations - many of which had never previously been tested for water quality.

The findings from the Big Windermere Survey show much of the lake's shoreline failed bathing water quality standards for illness-causing bacteria in the summer, when it is popular for activities such as swimming and water sports.