New underground tank proposed for near the Glebe to cut overflows and protect Windermere’s water quality

United Utilities has announced plans to build a new storage tank at the Glebe as part of its plans to improve water quality in Windermere.

The company is inviting members of the public to find out more at two events later this month ahead of it submitting planning permission later this summer.

Subject to securing the necessary planning permission, the company would build a 30-metre diameter, below ground storage tank which can hold around 10,000m3 of stormwater – the equivalent of four Olympic sized swimming pools.

The tank would help cut the number of times that the storm overflow in the area operates and will help to improve water quality in Windermere. 

Construction would take place on land off Glebe Road and the company would work with local stakeholders to minimise disruption to the local community. It is expected that the project would start in 2027 and be completed in early 2030.

The drop-in events will be held on Tuesday 16 June at the Belsfield Hotel in Bowness-on-Windermere and on Wednesday 17 June at the Marchesi Centre in Winderemere. Both will take place between 4-7pm. The information presented at these events will be the same on both dates. 

United Utilities is investing £200 million across the Windermere catchment over the next four years to reduce storm overflow operations and improve the quality of treated wastewater.

This project forms part of the largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure across the North West for a century. United Utilities is investing more than £13 billion to protect and enhance over 500 kilometres of rivers, lakes and bathing waters, while safeguarding drinking water supplies for millions of customers.