This time it is Esthwaite Water which will benefit from a £6 million scheme to reduce the amount of waste water and environmentally-damaging phosphates which find their way into the lake.

An exhibition of plans will take place at Hawkshead's Market Hall , today, on June 16.

Experts and engineers will be on hand between 4pm and 8pm to explain the importance of the scheme and seek local views on how best to carry it out with as little impact and inconvenience as possible. People are welcome to drop in between these times.

Project manager Steve Dooley said the scheme would reduce the storm water flowing into Esthwaite Water and improve the quality of treated water the company returns to the lake.

The scheme is part of United Utilities' five-year £2.9 billion programme to improve water quality and the environment by 2010.

"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
"We plan to introduce a new ferric dosing plant at Hawkshead Treatment Works which will reduce the amount of phosphates entering the water.

"Phosphates can cause a process called eutrophication where excess nutrients upset the natural rhythm of the lake, causing algal blooms which reduce the oxygen and harm aquatic life."

United Utilities work near Hawkshead will take place in two phases.

Phase one is due to start this autumn and includes building new sewer pipes in agricultural land between Hawkshead and Foldgate, building a new pumping station near Esthwaite Lodge and improving the existing Hawkshead pumping station.

The new pumping station will be built of Lake District stone so that it blends in with local architecture.

The second phase will mean extending the existing Hawkshead Wastewater Treatment Works and installing the ferric dosing plant. The total duration of the scheme is expected to last around 18 months.

"We would like to hear local people's view about the plans, particularly the best way of extending the treatment works," said Steve.
At its most southern point Esthwaite Water also runs into Windermere via Cunsey Beck. Windermere failed its bathing water quality standard for the first time last year and United Utilities is planning a £16m storm water tank in Bowness to reduce the amount of wastewater spilled to the lake in summer.

At Clappersgate, near Ambleside, a £1.4 million scheme to provide mains sewerage is being installed so that householders can move off poorly performing private septic tanks which are polluting another Windermere tributary, the River Brathay.

"United Utilities is committed to reducing pollution and improving the Lake District's beautiful environment. It is important, not just for wildlife but also for the local economy.

"However our work is just part of the jigsaw. Other agencies like the Environment Agency are also carrying out important schemes," explained Steve.