Big Windermere Survey, November 2023 results
13 March, 2024
Freshwater Biological Association announces results of the November 2023 Big Windermere Survey
The Freshwater Biological Association and Lancaster University are delighted to share the results of the November 2023 Big Windermere Survey, which provides an intensive snapshot of water quality within the Leven catchment on one day, in the autumn season.
Big Windermere Survey volunteer taking a water sample
On the morning of Sunday 26th November 2023, between 10am - 12pm, water samples were collected by volunteers from 107 locations around Windermere, Esthwaite Water, Grasmere, Rydal Water and the streams and smaller tarns in the Leven catchment. This was the sixth survey to date and represented the autumn season of the survey’s second year. You can see all locations on this map.
How are samples analysed?
Samples have been analysed for the concentration of nutrients within research laboratories at Lancaster University and bacterial analysis was completed at externally-accredited laboratories following standard protocols. To find out more about the water quality parameters that are analysed, please read our Water Quality Guide.
What do the results show?
Data from the November 2023 Big Windermere Survey reveal that only 19% of samples collected from Windermere shoreline locations contained sufficiently low concentrations of phosphorus to meet default standards for ‘Good’ status under UK legislation. While for river locations, 100% of water samples collected were consistent for High status.
For bacteria, 97% of samples collected from Windermere shoreline locations had low concentrations, consistent with standards from the European Union Bathing Water Directive for Excellent bathing water quality. However, 21% of river locations contained higher concentrations of E.coli or intestinal enterococci bacteria, moving these sites below the standards required for Good bathing water quality.
Want to know more?
Read our Results Summary which explains the results in more detail and the full data set is now available to view on a map via Cartographer.
Many thanks to our dedicated team of citizen scientists who contributed towards the November 2023 Big Windermere Survey and who are helping us to gain an understanding of the water quality in the Leven catchment throughout the seasons.
Check out our Big Windermere Survey page for further information.
If you would like to get involved as a volunteer or have any queries, please contact: windermere@fba.org.uk or have a look at out our FAQs.
Further reading
The Freshwater Biological Association publishes a wide range of books and offers a number of courses throughout the year. Check out our shop here.
