An Investigation into the Effects Surrounding Land Use has upon the Water Quality of Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria.

Abstract

Bassenthwaite Lake is situated in the Lake District, Cumbria and is currently a
Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its sensitive water quality. It is one of the
largest lake within the Lake District and the quietest away from human civilisation.
Bassenthwaite Lake is surrounded by low lying agricultural land to the east of the lake
and steep sided forestry to the west. Alongside the western shoreline snakes a major
road, the A66, which links the major towns of the northern Lakes with the M6
motorway, A1 and Teesside.
This study investigated the effects that three different land uses, which surround
the lake, affect the water quality. Over the course of five consecutive days in October
2009, water samples were taken from eight specific sites randomly selected around
Bassenthwaite Lake. Each sample site was tested for temperature, pH, electrical
conductivity and dissolved oxygen. Water samples were also taken for each site to
ascertain nutrient content and suspended solids through laboratory analysis to determine
if any relationships existed between these parameters and the surrounding lake land use.
The results showed significant differences within the annual data compared,
whereas the five day study illustrated a snippet of the lakes characteristics. Rainfall was
recorded through the aid of the Met Office and proved to be a vital constituent in
determining the amount of nutrients entering the lake.
With the aid of sustainable urban drainage systems, reductions in agricultural
and forestry fertilisers and increased awareness of human impacts on the lake many
water quality improvements have been made to the lake. However, recommendations
have been made for a future study which may aid the improvement of the lake.