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Work progressing at Vyrnwy Aqueduct

Lake Vyrnwy.jpgSince 1892, the Vyrnwy Aqueduct, which runs from Lake Vyrnwy (pictured) through to Merseyside, has helped deliver clean wholesome drinking water to customers and communities across Cheshire, Merseyside and the North West region. 

However, the pipeline now requires work to ensure the quality of your drinking water and to reduce the number of water discolouration currently experienced by some of our customers that are supplied by the Vyrnwy Aqueduct.

We have already refurbished 40% of the pipe and will now be completing the remaining length from Malpas through to Merseyside between now and 2028.

We are starting the main construction in 2023 and we will split the work into three sections; 

  • Malpas to Tarporley (2023 – 2025)
  • Tarporley to Norton (2023 – 2027)
  • Norton to Prescot (2025 – 2027)

We are working with local authorities and stakeholders across Cheshire and Merseyside to obtain the relevant permissions for our work and engaging with those communities most affected by our proposals.

John Hilton, Programme Director at United Utilities, said: “The Vyrnwy Aqueduct is an incredible feat of engineering and a vital asset that helps ensure we can supply high-quality drinking water to our customers.

“Upgrades at our water treatment works and refurbishment of the pipes which run south of Malpas have already been completed, and now the next phase of the programme in Cheshire and Merseyside can get underway.”

To find out more about The Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme visit our dedicated information hub here.

Important Notice

Cold Weather

Due to the freezing weather conditions across the region a number of our customers are experiencing no water or reduced pressure, caused by frozen pipes in their home. There are a few things you can do to check if you have frozen pipes. If you are unable to complete these checks please reach out to your family, friends or neighbours to see if they can help:

  1. If there are no local issues check with your neighbours. If they have water, you may have a frozen pipe in your property.
  2. Here’s what to do. Turn off your stop tap by turning it clockwise, it’s usually found under your kitchen sink, but can be in your garage or cellar.
  3. Once you’ve turned your stop tap off, turn on your cold tap in the kitchen
  4. If you have no water, this could be due to a frozen pipe somewhere in your home. This may be the pipe which comes into your home near to where your stop tap is located.
  5. Carefully thaw the pipe using a warm towel, or if safe to do so a hairdryer in short bursts, ensuring you keep well away from water. If you can get water from a neighbour you could try a hot water bottle too. This could take a while, depending on how frozen and big your pipes are.
  6. Switch your stop tap back on to see if the water is running.

You can find more information at www.unitedutilities.com/frozenpipes.

If you have followed all of the advice provided and still want to talk to us, please give us a call. As we are experiencing really high call volumes at the moment, please bear with us as wait times will be longer than usual. 

Due to the freezing weather conditions across the region a number of our customers are experiencing no water or reduced pressure, caused by frozen pipes in their home. For more help and advice if you have a frozen pipe head to www.unitedutilities.com/frozenpipes.

Cold Weather

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