The fourth Big Windermere Survey results (Jun, 2023)
Freshwater Biological Association announces results of fourth Big Windermere Survey
The Freshwater Biological Association is delighted to share the results of our fourth Big Windermere Survey, which provides an intensive snapshot of water quality within the Leven catchment on one day, in the spring season.
On Sunday 23rd April 2023, the fourth Big Windermere Survey took place in the spring season, rounding off one full year of the Big Windermere Survey. Water samples were collected by volunteers from 98 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 10am and 2pm on the day with local weather conditions generally dry and bright.
Samples have been 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. To find out more about the parameters that are analysed, please read our Water Quality Guide. The full data set is now available to view on a map via Cartographer. Our Summary Report explains the results in more detail.
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.
Click to read our Summary Report, or see the full dataset on Cartographer.
For any queries, please contact: windermere@fba.org.uk or have a look at out our FAQs.
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