On 28 February 2024, a telecommunications failure at a United Utilities pumping station led to the discharge of over 10 million litres of raw sewage into Lake Windermere. This UNESCO World Heritage site experienced continued discharges intermittently the following day. The incident was not reported to the Environment Agency until 13 hours later. The Agency has launched an investigation into the event and whether a permit breach occurred.

The sewage spill in Lake Windermere highlights the ongoing sewage pollution issue in Britain. In 2023, there were 68,481 incidents of sewage discharge into England’s seas, according to Friends of the Earth.

Environmental concerns culminated in nationwide protests on 18 May. Led by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), activists gathered at over 30 locations to demand an end to such discharges. In Brighton, Olympian Kelly Holmes addressed the crowd before leading a paddle-out protest.

United Utilities faces potential enforcement actions, including criminal prosecution, pending the results of the Environment Agency’s investigation.