Tourist influx turns Windermere green, researchers say

The picturesque Windermere in the Lake District is facing a concerning issue as it turns green due to the influx of tourists. A recent report, funded by the UK space agency, has highlighted a possible link between the high number of visitors and the growth of algae in the lake. Algal blooming, which is caused by warm temperatures and nutrients, is responsible for the water turning green and becoming toxic. United Utilities, the local water company, asserts that its wastewater plants are equipped to manage the increased sewage during peak tourist periods. Windermere, known as England's largest lake and a popular natural attraction, has been experiencing green water, particularly during the summer, due to algal blooming. This rapid growth of algae can have detrimental effects on the water, leading to reduced oxygen levels and harming fish and aquatic life. Richard Flemmings from Map Impact has been conducting research to understand the cause of these blooms, investigating whether they are a result of climate change or human discharges. Both treated and untreated sewage discharges contain high levels of the nutrient phosphorus, which contributes to algal blooming. Mr. Flemmings has found a significant correlation between visitor numbers and chlorophyll content, which serves as an indicator of algal concentration. The study utilized chlorophyll analysis and mobile phone data to estimate the number of people in the Windermere area at different times, ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 residents to up to 300,000 people during busy summer weekends. The increase in nutrients in the water, particularly phosphorus from human waste, has been identified as a contributing factor to the algal blooms. The Save Windermere campaign believes that both treated and untreated sewage discharges are contributing to the problem, advocating for all sewage discharges to be diverted away from the lake to protect its ecological balance. United Utilities has conducted a feasibility study for a 'discharge free' solution, but the cost of implementing a new sewage network presents a significant challenge. The company denies that its treated effluent is responsible for the algal blooming, stating that their wastewater treatment plants are designed to handle sewage from maximum population numbers and use high treatment standards. The hospitality industry in the area is concerned about the potential impact of a massive algal bloom on tourism and the local economy. They are raising funds for the Save Windermere campaign and emphasizing the need for better sewage treatment rather than limiting tourist numbers. The ongoing debate revolves around finding a sustainable solution to protect Windermere and its surrounding environment.