From tanks to banks: septic tank upgrades boost rivers and communities

Over the past 18 months, we have worked with environmental consultants Our Rivers to promote the scheme, administered by Westmorland and Furness Council, using money from the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund. This fund helps Eden residents replace failing septic tanks for free with modern and efficient systems.  In doing so, this creates a nutrient reduction to surface water and allows stalled housing development to progress. 

The benefits go beyond individual households.  As part of the project, Our Rivers reinvest a proportion of profits directly in local river conservation and their communities.

To mark the completion of Phase 1 of the septic tank upgrades, Our Rivers recently presented ERT with a cheque for £20,172 at the former Patterdale Youth Hostel, currently being turned into a new outdoor education centre. 

The site’s new owners, education charity Delta Academies Trust, have benefited from the installation of new sewage treatment system through the scheme, replacing their outdated tanks as part of their refurbishment of the hostel. They have also received a donation to support the excellent work the Trust does in bringing children across Northern England to learn about, and explore Eden’s landscapes.

Our Rivers Group CEO, Sarah Belton stated:

“It is our choice, and a significant motivation for us, to share profits generated from this septic tank upgrade Contract with all the local rivers trusts we are working with across Cumbria on this scheme.” 

Hilary Clarke, Catchment Management Lead at Eden Rivers Trust, explained why the charity got involved:

“This scheme is helping us tackle problem septic tanks across the catchment that leak concentrated nutrients into our becks and rivers all the time - usually without people realising there is an issue. 

“We got involved because the Our Rivers scheme makes it easier for homeowners to replace failing tanks while reinvesting in the local environment.

“We’d like to thank everyone who attended our information sessions and chose to take part. They are helping protect Eden’s rivers for future generations. This money will allow us to expand our work with farmers, landowners and communities to improve rivers and habitats for people and wildlife, as well as sharing simple ways people can help at home, from saving water and nature-friendly gardening to only flushing the 3Ps (pee, poo and paper).”

Sarah Belton added, “ It’s been an absolute privilege to work with our rivers trust partners, and our fantastic local Installers, Septic Tanks North West and Hutchinsons, on this project, but the best bit is knowing a good chunk is being reinvested in river restoration and community projects, so everyone, plus the environment benefits.  We are passionate about doing the right thing, even it if is the harder route to take”.  

The scheme makes upgrades straightforward for local residents. Project partners manage the application process, provide support with legal requirements, and offer advice on caring for systems.

Householders benefit immediately from a new septic tank, and longer-term also helping to protect local waterways by reducing pollution. The scheme also supports the local economy and helps address constraints on housebuilding in areas affected by Nutrient Neutrality rules.

In the Upper Eden catchment, upgrades have so far been installed at numerous properties close to watercourses, including Morland Beck, the Lowther and the Eamont. Together, they have delivered 51.72kg of Total Phosphorus (TP) mitigation. 

A homeowner shared their experience: 
“We had our old tank upgraded through Our Rivers. Not only do we have a fantastic, professionally installed tank, leaving our garden tidier than it was before, we know that it is contributing in more ways than one to the local environment and community It’s a win-win-win!”