Ref to Phosphates in Toilet Cleaners Polluting Bass Lake

[Guest]

In reponse to Monday 2nd's Look North Programme, suggesting that the pollution in Bass Lake is primarily caused by phosphates commonly found in toilet cleaner.

If the implication is to the vast number of tourists now in the area causing unnatural levels of this pollutant may I respond with some facts?

Ordinary (branded) toilet cleaners as easily purchased from any retailers usually do contain phosphates. This is because phosphates are used to descale lime in hard water areas and the majority of the UK does suffer with the problem of lime scale. HOWEVER, WE IN THE LAKE DISTRICT DO NOT!

We are most fortunate in having some of the softest water in the country and consequently no lime scale.

As a responsible supplier (and specialist in hygiene) servicing this area, we have actively discouraged use of such toilet cleaners. Removal of lime scale is simply not necessary. We do have a need to clean as our water is organic rich and tends to leave a brown deposit (dirt). We also wish to disinfect and to perfume. Our toilet cleaners are phosphate free, so if you are environmentally concerned about this issue, you do have an alternative.