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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Environment
Jon Ungoed-Thomas

United Utilities refuses to hand over data on sewage discharges into Windermere

A view of Windermere.
Windermere is on the frontline in the sewage scandal that has polluted so many of the UK’s rivers, coastal waters and lakes Photograph: Ashley Cooper/Getty Images

One of the UK’s biggest water companies is fighting a legal battle to block public access to data on treated sewage it is discharging into Windermere in the Lake District.

United Utilities initially claimed that data from phosphorus monitors at sewage treatment works at the lake “was not environmental information”. It later claimed the information on phosphorus – which can pollute watercourses when at high levels – was “internal communication” and exempt from disclosure.

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