Time’s running out
At Brass Monkey, we understand the power of cold water to strengthen both body and mind, in an ice bath or out in the wild. That’s why we’re joining forces with Save Windermere, a movement dedicated to protecting and restoring the beauty and health of England's most iconic lake. We're giving 10% of all our Brass Monkey clothing sales to the cause.
The problem:
Lake Windermere is in serious trouble.
Despite years of effort, excessive pollution still threatens its future, and more must be done to hold polluters accountable. By their own admission, United Utilities are the largest contributor to phosphorous in the lake, yet they continue to discharge sewage into this delicate ecosystem. Tackling this issue is critical to protecting Windermere before it’s too late and removal of all sewage discharge is the only way forward.
Despite years of effort, excessive pollution still threatens its future, and more must be done to hold polluters accountable. By their own admission, United Utilities are the largest contributor to phosphorous in the lake, yet they continue to discharge sewage into this delicate ecosystem. Tackling this issue is critical to protecting Windermere before it’s too late and removal of all sewage discharge is the only way forward.
the impact:
The true cost of pollution
Pollution in Windermere has the potential to cause severe ecological and economic harm. Swimmers may face health risks entering the lake near sewage outfalls or in the presence of potentially toxic algal blooms. The Arctic charr, a species dating back to the ice age, is now likely extinct in the lake’s South Basin. Invertebrate populations have plummeted, with a 75% decline on Wilfin Beck and 64% on the Rothay River downstream of the wastewater treatment. These issues threaten both local wildlife and the £750 million tourist industry that Windermere supports.
Pollution in Windermere has the potential to cause severe ecological and economic harm. Swimmers may face health risks entering the lake near sewage outfalls or in the presence of potentially toxic algal blooms. The Arctic charr, a species dating back to the ice age, is now likely extinct in the lake’s South Basin. Invertebrate populations have plummeted, with a 75% decline on Wilfin Beck and 64% on the Rothay River downstream of the wastewater treatment. These issues threaten both local wildlife and the £750 million tourist industry that Windermere supports.
What Save Windermere are doing:
The battle plan
Save Windermere is actively addressing the lake's pollution through several initiatives, and they need our support:
- Petitions: Advocating for an independent public inquiry into the Environment Agency's regulation of the water industry.
- Satellite monitoring: Partnering with Map Impact, and backed by the UK Space Agency, Save Windermere is collecting data on pollution sources using Earth observation technology.
- Invertebrate sampling: Collaborating with WildFish to monitor aquatic invertebrate populations, identifying pollution sources and tracking ecological changes.
- Strike against sewage: Holding weekly demonstrations outside the United Utilities Information Centre to demand an end to sewage pollution.
- Legislative reform: Exploring legal measures to protect the lake's ecological integrity.
- Political lobbying: Engaging with policymakers to develop long-term solutions for freshwater protection.
- Awareness & Education: Raising public awareness through campaigns, events, and media coverage.
Save Windermere is actively addressing the lake's pollution through several initiatives, and they need our support:
- Petitions: Advocating for an independent public inquiry into the Environment Agency's regulation of the water industry.
- Satellite monitoring: Partnering with Map Impact, and backed by the UK Space Agency, Save Windermere is collecting data on pollution sources using Earth observation technology.
- Invertebrate sampling: Collaborating with WildFish to monitor aquatic invertebrate populations, identifying pollution sources and tracking ecological changes.
- Strike against sewage: Holding weekly demonstrations outside the United Utilities Information Centre to demand an end to sewage pollution.
- Legislative reform: Exploring legal measures to protect the lake's ecological integrity.
- Political lobbying: Engaging with policymakers to develop long-term solutions for freshwater protection.
- Awareness & Education: Raising public awareness through campaigns, events, and media coverage.
Watch: lake windermere is dying
Wear to care
We champion dip spots nationwide - lakes, rivers, and seas, each with their own delicate ecology. By immersing ourselves in their cold waters, we tap into the benefits they offer and it’s time to give back. We stand with Save Windermere to protect England’s largest lake in support of all our waterways by giving 10% of all our Brass Monkey clothing sales to the cause. Our clothes are made from 100% super soft sustainable cotton and 100% recycled polyester, and now, every purchase will help fight for clean water, too.
