E coli case in Windermere cause for concern

This week, the spotlight has once again been on pollution in Windermere following news that a seven-year old-child was left in a life threatening condition after contracting a dangerous strain of E coli from exposure to contaminated water.

Rex Earley spent six weeks in hospital and underwent two emergency operations as a result of this illness. He will need to undergo regular medical monitoring for the next eight years.

Rex contracted the infection after kayaking with his family on Windermere in August 2025. His mother, Claire, is now calling for real-time pollution updates to protect others from this harrowing experience.

E coli is a dangerous bacteria which can be found in human and animal faeces. Where untreated sewage is discharged into rivers and lakes it can lead to a risk of infection to swimmers and other water users. Seven million people visit Windermere each year to admire its natural beauty, yet in 2024, United Utilities discharged untreated sewage into Windermere on 140 days, more than in any of the previous three years where data has been available.

Leigh Day is familiar with the dangers of contaminated water. The strain of E coli which Rex contracted is the same strain which in 1999 resulted in the death of the nine-year-old Heather Preen in Devon, as featured in Channel 4’s Dirty Business. Leigh Day partner Sean Humber represented the Preen family at the inquest into Heather’s death, after which a jury returned a verdict of death by misadventure.

Leigh Day is aiming to hold sewage undertakers to account across the country for their alleged roles in sewage pollution.

The firm recently expanded its claim against South West Water to represent individuals and businesses across Devon and Cornwall who say they have been impacted by sewage pollution.

The firm also represents individuals and businesses in the Wye, Usk and Lugg catchment areas in a claim against Welsh Water and food company giant Avara Foods Limited over their alleged contributions to river pollution, as a result of sewage discharges and runoff from poultry manure.

As well as its claims in the south west and Wye regions, Leigh Day is also investigating a potential legal action against United Utilities over sewage pollution in Windermere and the alleged impact on the local community.  This will could environmental and potentially personal injury claims.

If you feel you have been impacted by pollution in Windermere, please reach out to us at windermerepollution@leighday.co.uk.

To register your interest in a potential legal claim and to receive updates from us, please complete the online form here.