Windermere Wastewater Treatment Works
Photo by Sian Bentley-Magee on Unsplash
About this Site
This operational wastewater treatment plant receives flows from the Windermere catchment and supports a £200 million upgrade programme aimed at reducing nutrient runoff and storm overflow frequency. It employs primary sedimentation, activated sludge, and sludge digestion, while serving as a testbed for innovative filtration and reed-bed solutions. The site demonstrates modern environmental engineering in a sensitive UNESCO lake setting.
Visitor Information
Guided tours (~90 minutes) are available for groups of 4–10, typically offered Monday–Friday mornings. Participants receive PPE (vest, helmets, glasses), onsite parking, and a health-and-safety briefing. Tours include an overview presentation, viewing of treatment process units, and expert Q&A. Children in Year 5+ are welcome. Advance online booking is required. Tours may be limited according to demand and scheduled via United Utilities’ local information centre in Windermere, open Mon–Sat.
Key Info
Type:Power Plant
Visitability:Viewable
Address:Tower Wood, Bowness‑on‑Windermere, Cumbria, UK, LA23 3PN
Website:Visit
Map
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