Big Windermere Survey - November 2022 Results

We are pleased to share the results of the second Big Windermere Survey, adding another snapshot of water quality within the Leven catchment on one day, to compliment our results from the first survey in June. Water samples were collected by volunteers from 95 sites throughout the Leven catchment, including from Grasmere, Rydal Water, Blelham Tarn, Esthwaite Water, Ghyll Head reservoir, Windermere and a number of key inflow streams for Windermere. All samples were taken between approximately 10 am and 2 pm on Sunday 13th November 2022.

Samples were analysed for a range of water quality parameters within research laboratories at Lancaster University and bacterial analysis was completed at externally-accredited laboratories following standard protocols. The data are all open access and available to view on a map via Cartographer. We have also created a report, which you can download below.

We have presented the water quality results in the context of EU Water Framework classifications and the bacteria data in the context of the EU Bathing Waters Directive classifications. However, classification of water quality against standards requires long term datasets, comprised of multiple samples taken from each location to capture variation in water quality, such as between seasons. Water quality standards are used to provide context for the results. As future surveys generate additional data, we will be able to undertake more accurate classification of water bodies in the Leven catchment against water quality standards.

With two surveys completed and dates set for another two on 5th February and 23rd April of 2023, we are looking forward to seeing the dataset and our understanding grow.

Click to read our Summary Report, see the full dataset on Cartographer.