Wonderful Windermere
Methodology Consultation

What is Wonderful Windermere?  

Over the next five years, United Utilities has proposed the largest ever programme of investment in the Windermere catchment. We have £200m of planned delivery to upgrade treatment standards from wastewater treatment works and to create extra storage capacity to reduce spills from storm overflows.  

However, we also recognise that there is more we can do in helping others reduce sources of nutrient inputs into Windermere too and we want to go further and do more to help others reduce phosphorous from their systems to support improving water quality, long-term resilience and the heritage of the lake. As part of our plans to 2030, we have developed a mechanism called ‘Wonderful Windermere’, known as a performance commitment, which sets out a mechanism for how we can support owners of septic tanks, package plants and catchment land to prevent phosphorous from entering the lake.  

There are several ways that assets can be improved, including, for example first time sewerage. First time sewerage is always an option that asset owners can explore, full information can be found here and we would always encourage customers to make applications so we can assess if schemes could be provided, however, this may not always be appropriate, or possible. We know from talking to lots of customers that they are looking for help and support with what more they can do if first time sewerage is not an option and therefore we have developed Wonderful Windermere to support customers and communities in as many ways as possible and deliver the greatest benefit to the environment.   

How does this work? 

Through the Wonderful Windermere performance commitment, we are seeking to drive improvements related to phosphorus removal in Windermere. We aim to do this through a range of actions which could improve the performance of privately owned assets including septic tanks, package plants and catchment land that don’t belong to United Utilities.  

Working with communities we would deliver a range of interventions that will reduce phosphorous load into the lake and support private customers on making these changes.  

This is the first time an initiative like this has been developed in the sector and we are keen to hear everyone’s views and ensure there is clarity and transparency on how the scheme will work. We have created a methodology document that outlines how we would calculate the phosphorous reduction from initiatives delivered through the performance commitment, and how we intend to govern the approach. The final methodology will be developed once we have heard from all interested parties and will be applied to the delivery of this performance commitment which runs to 2030.   

We’re looking for your input into the methodology for how we calculate delivery of the scheme.  

Consultation on key aspects of the proposed methodology 

We want to get your thoughts and feedback on four keys areas of the methodology, including the sources used to provide improvements to phosphorous removal, the sampling, the modelling and governance regime. We are asking for your input and expertise to help us shape this methodology for the benefit of the Windermere catchment.

Consultation process 

A copy of the methodology, an explainer of the performance commitment and the consultation form can all be found in the links below.

Timeline 

• The consultation closes at 5pm on 18^th June
• United Utilities will provide the details and responses from all parties received during the consultation and share a version of the methodology with the Environment Agency and Ofwat by 25 June
• A final version of the methodology will be agreed with Ofwat by 1^st July 2025

We would also be extremely happy to meet to discuss any aspects of the schemes or mechanism face to face if that would be easier as we are keen to hear people’s views and ensure its final design and delivery ensured the outcomes that everyone wants to see.