Save Windermere Demonstration in May 2023, attended by Steve Coogan, Lee Mack & Paul Whitehouse.
Save Windermere is dedicated to ending sewage pollution in England’s largest freshwater lake and protecting it for future generations by taking on the multi-billion-pound private water companies that have been exploiting it for profit.
The Campaign
Save Windermere was founded by Matt Staniek after discovering that sewage was being discharged into England’s largest lake. What began as a local response has grown into a nationally-recognised campaign, supported by a broad coalition of residents, scientists, campaigners, legal experts, celebrities and environmental organisations, united in calling for an end to sewage pollution in Windermere.
The campaign combines forensic data analysis, Freedom of Information requests, regulatory challenge and media investigations with public demonstrations, community events, films and direct engagement with MPs, regulators and United Utilities.
Through this approach, Save Windermere has transformed a local pollution issue into a national symbol of water industry failure, forcing scrutiny, accountability and meaningful action to improve the lake’s water quality.
Musician turned campaign Feargal Sharkey at the Save Windermere Strike Against Sewage, a weekly community protest.
Being shortlisted shines another spotlight on the ongoing exploitation of England’s largest lake and the urgent need to end it. Save Windermere exists to hold the water industry and government to account for their failure to protect this national treasure. This recognition reflects the strength of public support behind the campaign and why Windermere matters to so many people across the country. We will not stop until sewage pollution is ended and the lake is protected for generations to come.”
Matt Staniek
Founder, Save Windermere
The Change
Save Windermere has driven tangible environmental, regulatory and political change in a system that had failed to act for decades. The campaign secured a £200 million investment from United Utilities over the next five years, almost three times the level invested in the previous 30 years. While not a complete solution, it represents a fundamental shift in ambition and accountability.
Following sustained pressure and evidence led challenge, the Environment Agency has launched an unprecedented review of all wastewater discharge permits affecting Windermere, some of which had remained unchanged since 1989. Regulatory oversight has also increased significantly, with inspections rising from zero in 2020 to over 35 site visits, alongside ongoing enforcement action.
Beyond infrastructure and regulation, the campaign has changed the national conversation. Windermere is no longer seen as an isolated issue, but as a clear flagship representing the systemic failure across the water industry. The campaign has also secured major transparency wins, including the release of operational data that had previously been withheld. Years of sustained pressure have culminated in government, regulators and industry agreeing to a detailed engineering study exploring the complete removal of sewage discharges from Windermere, with findings due in June 2026.
The Future
The future of Save Windermere is focused on delivery. The campaign is working to ensure that the ongoing engineering study results in a fully funded, time bound plan to eliminate all sewage discharges into Windermere. Alongside this, pressure will continue on United Utilities, the Environment Agency and government to enforce existing laws and accelerate infrastructure upgrades.
Who else was involved?
Matt Staniek, Save Windermere CIC Board of Directors, volunteers, local residents, swimmers, anglers, businesses, a national network of scientific and technical experts, Windrush Against Sewage Pollution, Peter Hammond, Ash Smith, environmental scientists, legal advisers, investigative journalists, media partners, Feargal Sharkey, Steve Coogan, Joe Lycett, Lee Mack, Paul Whitehouse, The Wildlife Trusts, and Patagonia.
