Millions of people flocking to the Lake District for summer holidays are being exposed to potentially dangerous levels of bacteria in its freshwater bodies, a sobering investigation has revealed. Hot weather and increased tourism exacerbate the risks, with untreated sewage being discharged into popular swimming spots.
Mel Beamish, a 38-year-old police detective, experienced a severe illness after swimming in the River Brathay in the Lake District on a hot July day. Despite the river appearing clear and being a remote location, it was located downstream from a submerged sewage pipe. Beamish developed severe symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, delirium, and sweats, leading to her hospitalization. Doctors suspected Campylobacter, a bacteria commonly found in sewage, but it could not be confirmed as it had cleared her system by the time she saw a GP.
This incident highlights a broader issue: annual discharges of millions of litres of untreated sewage into lakes like Windermere introduce bacteria such as E. coli and intestinal enterococci. These pathogens can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, ear infections, and skin infections, posing a particular risk to the very young and elderly. Olympic swimmer Hector Pardoe previously recorded E. coli levels eight times the safe threshold during a swim of Windermere. In another case, seven-year-old Rex Earley required two emergency operations after contracting E. coli following kayaking on Windermere.
The problem is compounded by the fact that many popular swimming locations in the Lake District are not officially designated bathing waters. This means they lack regular monitoring by the Environment Agency, leaving visitors unaware of potential water quality issues. Ben Surridge, a senior lecturer in environmental science at Lancaster University, noted that people swim in numerous lakes and rivers without official oversight.
Sewage Discharges and Infrastructure Strain
Nearly every lake in the Lake District receives some form of pollution, not only from water company discharges but also from numerous private sources like septic tanks and small treatment works. United Utilities reports 1,800 private cesspits alone emptying into Windermere. These private systems often lack the technology to effectively kill bacteria.
The issue has two main components: storm overflows and the limitations of wastewater treatment works. During heavy rainfall, sewer systems can become overwhelmed, leading to the release of untreated sewage and rainwater into rivers and lakes through storm overflows. Furthermore, even treated sewage can contain bacteria if the treatment works are not equipped with ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems, which are not universally installed in the Lake District.
Increased Summer Pressure
Demand on sewage systems intensifies during the summer months due to the influx of tourists. Sewage works, often built for much smaller local populations, face significant strain. For example, the sewage works at Grasmere, which has a maximum summer population of around 2,700, has seen average flows entering the works become nine times higher in summer. Treated sewage volumes have regularly exceeded six million litres a day in recent years.
Data from the Environment Agency reveals that storm overflows at Coniston, Grasmere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater opened over 340 times last year, discharging raw sewage for more than 3,200 hours, including during the bathing season. Coniston's Church Beck overflow, which feeds a designated bathing spot, was open for 489 hours during the bathing season alone.
Beyond E. coli
While E. coli and intestinal enterococci are key indicators, they do not represent the full spectrum of potential contaminants. Viruses like norovirus and hepatitis, and parasites such as giardia, can also be present in sewage-polluted waters, causing prolonged illness. Research also suggests a potential link between recreational water exposure and the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Water quality can fluctuate rapidly, with heavy rainfall capable of sending pollution into lakes within hours. Even at officially designated bathing sites, water classified as 'good' carries a risk of gastroenteritis. The true toll of waterborne illnesses may be underestimated, as many people do not connect their symptoms to water exposure.
A United Utilities spokesman stated the company is investing £1 billion across Cumbria by 2030 to improve rivers and lakes, and is evaluating options to mitigate the impact of climate change on water quality.