PESKY tourists have been accused of turning Britain’s most famous lake GREEN after it filled with sewage and algae.
Residents say conditions are so bad in Lake Windermere that the once-pristine waters are now a no-swim zone.
Chris Thompson, 38, believes there is a link between the toxic algae and an influx of visitors to the Cumbria beauty spot.
The chef, who has lived in Windermere for nine years, said: “The more tourists you get, the worse it’s going to be.
“It’s a combination of more tourists coming here and the water company not disposing of its waste.
“It is shocking because you find it hard to go and swim in it. I don’t even want to be on the lake.”
Valerie Ward, 79, a retired barmaid who has lived in the village for 20 years, added: “Tourism is a double edged sword. They are a flipping nuisance, the tourists.
“But if we want people to come, which we do, we have to put up with the other side as well.”
Recent years have seen the normally clear water turn green due to the algae, which blooms in warmer weather.
Algae is toxic because it causes reduced oxygen levels in the water, killing fish and other aquatic life.
New studies show a “significant correlation” between visitors and chlorophyll content, the compound that gives plants their green colour.
The population of Lake Windermere can rocket to more than eight times from 40,000 to more than 300,000 on peak tourist days.
A new report by the UK Space Agency suggests a link between peak tourist periods to Windermere and algal blooming.
Speaking to MailOnline: Richard Flemmings, CEO of Map Impact, said: “I think what we can conclude is that the sewage infrastructure probably isn’t sufficient for this huge increase in people”
Nausea-inducing pictures show the scale of the problem, with a swirling green sludge of sewage and algae lapping on the lake’s shores.
But some residents say water company United Utilities are just as responsible for the filthy water.
Local Jackie Dalton, 71, points the finger at the “filthy” sewage which continues to be dumped in her beloved lake and says infrastructure is desperately needed to cope with the huge influx of tourists.
It is shocking because you find it hard to go and swim in it. I don’t even want to be on the lake
Chris Thompson
The retired shop worker from Sawrey, Cumbria, said: “I’ve known that lake all of my life. When I was a child it was full of fish. It’s just filthy now.
“I don’t care what the water companies say. There shouldn’t be sewage going in there anyway.
“It should be diverted, there should be a pipeline taking it away.
“They are trying to blame the tourists for tipping sewage out of their boats but that’s a fraction of the problem.”
Sarah Ibbetson, 58, a taxi driver, agrees: “This has always been a touristy area. It’s ridiculous to say tourism is causing the algae.
“It should be about improving the water systems, not blaming tourists.”
Chef Chris Thompson added: “The company says the sewage is treated, but is it? And why are they chucking it into the lake?”
A United Utilities spokesperson said “Our wastewater treatment works are sized to treat the sewage from maximum population numbers at peak times, and use the highest treatment standards including phosphorus removal and UV treatment to kill bacteria.
“To contribute to the debate about a “discharge-free” solution with no treated or untreated UU discharges, no effluent from the 1,800 private septic tanks or from the additional 89 discharge points around the lake that are owned by others.
“We carried out a feasibility study that has already been shared with key local stakeholders and we are keen to engage with anyone who might want to investigate this further.”
