New project to improve water quality

The South Lakes region is to benefit from a new £6 million plan to improve water quality in the area.

According to the North West Evening Mail, the United Utilities project will begin before the end of the year and will help to reduce the amount of storm water than enters Esthwaite Water via Hawkshead.

In addition, the quality of the water being returned to the lake will also be improved as part of the water’s company’s five-year £2.9 billion scheme to ensure an improved environment by 2010.

Project manager Steve Dooley said: "Esthwaite Water is an ecologically important site which is rated a grade-one site of special scientific interest and also an internationally important wetland so our project will be vital."

He added that the project will involve the creation of a new ferric dosing plant at Hawkshead Treatment Works to significantly reduce the level of phosphates in the water.

Last week, the Environment Agency Wales unveiled plans on how it aims to improve the region’s water quality and supply.