WATER campaigners are going to hold a protest in the Lake District against sewage pollution. 

Surfers Against Sewage will hold a national protest on the issue on May 20 at 11am. Windermere campaigners will gather at Borrans Park, Ambleside and then paddle out into the lake. 

Catherine Higgins, from the group, said: "We need to do something about it. By holding this protest we're aiming to get people aware of what's happening, get people to sign a petition which can make change happen and make a loud noise so United Utilities can hear us." 

The Westmorland Gazette:

She asked protesters to bring water crafts, placards, banners and friends and family to Windermere to "save the water."

Surfers Against Sewage is a national charity which campaigns on causes related to reducing water pollution. 

It is calling all water lovers across the UK to get on paddle boards and kayaks and paddle out into bodies of water in protest.

Its website hosts a map of popular swimming spots near sewage outlet spots and advises whether or not it is safe to swim out based on if the outlet is discharging.

Shortly after this on May 23-24, Matt Staniek will be sampling invertebrate species populations in local rivers in the Windermere catchment. 

If the counts around sewage discharge points show a decrease in population, Mr Staniek will use this to hold United Utilities to account. 

A spokesperson for United Utilities said: "We support taking a scientific data-led approach to understanding the health of Windermere. United Utilities is part of the Love Windermere partnership, which is led by the Environment Agency.

“The partnership has already commissioned a comprehensive survey - the Big Windermere Survey - which looks at and monitors all aspects of the lake’s health. This is being undertaken by scientific experts from the Freshwater Biological Association and Lancaster University."

United Utilities recently announced that it would be investing £19 million into four wastewater treatment works that discharge into Windermere.