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Survey reveals ‘poor' summer bathing water quality in parts of Windermere
A two-year study has provided the most detailed picture to date of water quality in Windermere and its catchment.
The Big Windermere Survey, led by the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) and Lancaster University, involved 350 citizen scientists who collected more than 1,000 water samples from 110 locations across 10 sampling events over two and a half years. Many of the locations had not previously been tested.
The report analysed 15 water quality parameters, focusing on phosphorus, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Intestinal Enterococci (IE) – key indicators of ecosystem health and suitability for recreation.
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Results showed that concentrations of E. coli and IE were highest in summer months, when the lake is most used for bathing and watersports. During this period, bacterial levels in the northwest, northeast and southwest areas of Windermere were consistent with standards for 'poor' bathing water quality.
In spring, autumn and winter, lower concentrations of bacteria were consistent with 'Excellent' or 'Good' bathing water quality across all areas.
Phosphorus concentrations across the lake met the UK's 'moderate' status under legislation, which is higher than the threshold required for 'good' status.
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Dr Ben Surridge, senior lecturer at Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University said: "The Big Windermere Survey is a unique collaboration between professional scientists and members of various communities with an interest in the water quality of Windermere and its catchment.
"This collaboration has generated an unprecedented dataset which offers new insights into the spatial and temporal patterns of water quality in Windermere, built on exactly the same robust, scientific approaches used in water quality research.
"We look forward to working with partners within the catchment to ensure that evidence generated by the Big Windermere Survey informs action that leads to real improvement in the water quality of this iconic lake."
The study also highlighted localised hotspots for phosphorus or bacteria around Waterhead, Bowness Bay, Belle Isle, Millerground, Mitchell Wyke Bay, the south-western shore and near the River Leven outflow.
Streams and rivers including Stock Ghyll, Black Beck, Mill Beck, Wilfin Beck and the River Rothay also showed elevated concentrations.
Beyond the main lake, the survey gathered additional information on rivers and lakes across the wider Leven catchment.
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Simon Johnson, executive director of the Freshwater Biological Association, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who have given thousands of hours of their time to gather the scientific data in this report. The evidence is clear and must lead to decisive action to improve water quality.
"We must all work together to transform the future of Windermere and deliver a cleaner, healthier and safer waterbody for all life to thrive.
"Windermere is home to a number of rare and increasingly threatened freshwater species including Arctic charr. Without decisive action to improve water quality, this species and potentially many more will face a steady and devastating decline.
"We hope these findings will not only advance scientific understanding of Windermere's water quality but also play a pivotal role in shaping future strategies to protect and enhance the health of the lake and its surrounding catchment."
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The data from the Big Windermere Survey is being actively shared with a range of organisations both locally and nationally, as part of ongoing conversations about the water quality of Windermere.
The report released today, alongside all the underpinning data, is freely and openly available for anyone with an interest in Windermere to examine.
The full report, link to the data and an overview of the Big Windermere Survey is available online at
