Here is our first story and report of 2025: a deep dive into the Far Sawrey Wastewater Treatment Works, the most primitive facility in and around Windermere.

https://www.savewindermere.com/news/far-sawrey-permit-review

In this report, we expose several critical issues, including the site’s outdated 1989 permit, maintenance and operational inadequacies, the chronic impact on the freshwater ecology of Wilfin Beck from above to below the site, and a stagnation in treatment standards that appears unchanged since at least 1978.

We hope you take away two key points from this report:

 1) Due to the campaign's vocal and persistent pressure, United Utilities has implemented operational and structural interventions at the site, albeit incomplete and patchy, that will have actively reduced the environmental impact of the site on Wilfin Beck. 

2) This site epitomises our long-standing call for complete removal. These rural sites are difficult to maintain, challenging to operate, introduce unsustainable costs, and continue to contribute to the environmental issues Windermere faces. However, consolidating these sites into larger treatment works with better technology, located away from Windermere, will secure Windermere’s ecology for the nation, now and forever.

It's a longer read today but we think it's worth it. You can help the campaign by donating here. Its also been covered today in the ipaper.

More from us very soon.