What can residents do?

For those of us who live, work and holiday in the Llanberis valley, Llyn Padarn is a significant feature in our lives. The livelihoods of many people in the area are closely linked to the well-being of the lake.

Many aspects of how we live and work have a direct impact on the health of the lake. Simple changes to some aspects of how we live and work can make a big difference to Llyn Padarn.

You can love our lake by;

Switching to a phosphate-free dishwasher detergent

Phosphates in dishwasher tablets are a problem for Llyn Padarn. When phosphates enter the water they become nutrients or food for algae, the algae feast and multiply. In certain conditions, this leads to toxic algal blooms threatening wildlife and preventing us all from enjoying the lake. Most dishwasher detergents contain at least 30% phosphates; the only way you can be sure that none of this ends up in Llyn Padarn is to change to a phosphate-free brand.

Emptying your septic tank every 1-2 years

When did you last empty your septic tank? Monitoring has shown that leaking septic tanks are a source of phosphate inputs into the lake. All septic tanks require regular emptying if they are to function effectively.

Spread the word - Sometimes people only need a reminder. If you are having your tank emptied, why not ask your neighbours if they need theirs doing and pass on your contractor's details.

Have you registered your septic tank? For most people this is free and a one-off registration, subject to certain criteria. You can choose to register online, by email or by post. Go to the Natural Resources Wales website for more details.

As part of the Loving our Lake project, we have created 'Looking After your septic tank: A guide and logbook for householders'. You download your own copy here.

Stop the Block

Don't ever flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet

  • kitchen towels, sanitary items, cotton buds, condoms, nappies - bag them and bin them
  • bottles of medicine, garden chemicals, anti-freeze, paints, solvents - dispose of them at a civic amenity centre
  • oil, grease, fat - wipe out pans, pour fat into a container and put it in a bin

Try to use less water

  • Fit water-saving devices to your toilet cistern
  • Add aerators to your shower hoses and taps
  • Always wash full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine

Loving OUR Lake

Whether you have a business on the shores of the lake, enjoy swimming in the lagoons, catching fish, walking your dog, or you simply drive past it everyday, all of us who live, work or holiday in the Llanberis valley have a link to Llyn Padarn. To help protect the lake for the future, we can all make some simple changes to our day-to-day activities that will reduce the input of harmful nutrients.

Septic Tank Guide & Logbook

Download a free pdf: 'Looking After your septic tank: a guide and logbook for householders'.

Don’t Ignore It, Report It!

To report an environmental incident please call NRW incident hotline on 0300 065 3000 (24 hours a day). NRW website has further details on what kind of incidents to report and you can report online at: Report a problem

See It. Report It. Stop It

If you see sewage pollution please call the Dŵr Cymru hotline as soon as possible on 0800 085 3968. The contact centre is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Calls are FREE from a BT landline. You can also report pollution online at: Report an issue

Loving our Lake Pledge

We are encouraging local businesses to take the loving our lake pledge to commit to ensuring that their activities do not knowingly harm the lake. Click here to see who has taken the pledge.