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West CumbriaWest Cumbria update

Since starting construction in 2017, our teams have been working hard to install the new pipelines, refurbish old pipes, build new pumping stations, a new treatment works and two new service reservoirs. 

Despite many challenges including dry weather, extreme wet weather and flooding...even the impact of Covid-19, we're on track to complete this unique project and supply over 80,000 homes and businesses with water from Thirlmere. We've created a more resilient and sustainable water network. 

As we approach the final stages to bring a new source of Lakeland water to homes and businesses in West Cumbria and start to bring Thirlmere water into supply from June 2022 onwards, we'll be providing regular updates. You can find further information on our dedicated hub. 

If you have a general query please get in touch by completing our feedback form.

  • The new pipe network

    Aqueduct pipes: 

    Land reinstatement is continuing across the project which involves removal of stones, preparing the land to replace the top soil and eventually re-seeding.  We have a number of teams who are progressing in stages along the route. The images below demonstrate just how well the land recovers in a short space of time.

    Weather conditions have a major influence on the reinstatement activity, and at the moment the weather appears to be quite unpredictable which may impact on our progress across the working areas.

    The images below show the recovery around our working areas before and after land reinstatement.

    Reinstated working areaWorking area before reinstatement of land

  • Williamsgate Water Treatment Works

    The new state-of-the-art site incorporates a living green roof and complements the natural contours of the surrounding environment. When it's brought into operation it will be treating up to 80 million litres of quality Lakeland water every day. 

    Williamsgate Water Treatment Works
    Laying the new roof

  • Service Reservoir sites

    The two new sites will be storing the treated water arriving from Williamsgate in huge underground tanks, ready to distribute along pipes to homes and businesses. 

    High Leys is the largest of the two service reservoirs - storing 50 million litres of treated water.  The image shows how the new service reservoir has been designed to integrate into the surrounding landscape.

    High Leys Service Reservoir

    Moota Hill is the smaller capacity service reservoir, but it will still be capable of holding an impressive 21 million litres of water!  

    Moota Hill Service Reservoir
    Moota Hill Service Reservoir

  • Out with the old and in with the new

    We've refurbished the existing water pipe network from Cornhow in the Lorton Valley, through to Stainburn Service Reservoir near Workington.

    Unlike the water transferring from Thirlmere to the new treatment works which travels by gravity, the treated water needs some help to travel along the pipe network to your home. In the Cockermouth area we've built a new pumping station and installed new connections to help the water continue it's journey.

    Pipe split connections in the Cockermouth area
    Harrot Hill pumping station

    Thank you for your ongoing patience while we've been working.  We do understand that the scale of this project has involved a lot more construction traffic, noise and disruption for the community.  If you have any queries you can always call us on 0345 672 3723.