New partnership to drive cleaner Derwent Water forms after water quality rated ‘Poor’
Derwent Water - image courtesy of Stuart Holmes
New Bathing Water at Crow Park on Derwent Water rated ‘poor’
As the official bathing season commences on 15 May, the Environment Agency has classified the water quality at Crow Park on Derwent Water as 'Poor'. This classification follows the first full year of monitoring since the site was granted Bathing Water Status in 2024, after a joint application by West Cumbria Rivers Trust and the National Trust. The designation aims to protect the health of people who swim at Crow Park and also helps identify and address potential pollution sources, leading to improvements in water quality and a safer environment for bathers.
In response to the classification, Cumberland Council will be installing signage at Crow Park to inform the public about the current water quality status and advise against bathing due to potential health risks.
The 'Poor' classification indicates elevated levels of bacterial contamination, including E. coli and intestinal enterococci, which can pose health risks to swimmers. The sources of these pollutants may include human and animal waste, agricultural runoff, and wild birds which are resident on Derwentwater; further testing will be undertaken to try to identify the causes.
While swimming is a personal choice and not prohibited, the public is advised to exercise caution if they choose to ignore the advice against bathing. Recommendations include:
· Checking the latest water quality updates on the Swimfo website.
· Undertaking a visual assessment of the water before entering
· Avoiding swimming after periods of heavy rainfall.
· Washing thoroughly after swimming.
· Covering any cuts or abrasions before entering the water, but we encourage water users not to enter the lake with open cuts/wounds
To support efforts in improving the lake's health, a new community partnership called Friends of Derwent Water has been established. This coalition, spear headed by West Cumbria Rivers Trust, includes the National Trust, the Environment Agency, Keswick Town Council, Cumberland Council, the LDNPA and the local community. The partnership focuses on advocacy, land management, and community engagement to promote long-term solutions for water quality improvement.
For more information and updates, please visit www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/friends to find out more.