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Improvements to the Haweswater Aqueduct  

A landmark agreement to refurbish the crucial Haweswater Aqueduct, that carries water from Cumbria to 2.5 million customers in Greater Manchester and Lancashire – or nearly 5 per cent of England’s population – has been signed.

The original 110km pipeline – which is approaching its 70th birthday – was a major feat of engineering when it was originally built. It uses gravity to carry 570 million litres of water every day to customers and businesses across Cumbria, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, that’s nearly 250 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

What will the work involve?

The programme is the first in the water sector to be delivered through a Direct Procurement for Customers model to provide best value for customers. It covers the design, construction, maintenance and financing of the scheme. 

  • Construction activities will get underway in 2026.
  • Six tunnel sections will be replaced, with most of the work happening below ground using the latest tunnelling techniques.
  • The project will bring a range of economic benefits to the region. Around 1,200 people will be employed at the construction peak with an apprentice recruitment programme to help build and secure skills for the future.
  • You may see preparation activity including further surveys and ground investigation taking place. We’ll continue liaising with the relevant landowners, stakeholders and customers in each area of our programme.

Get in touch about the project

If you have any queries, please get in touch. You can either call us on 0345 672 3723 quoting the project number 80061155 or if you prefer, you can contact us via our social media channels. We’ll be happy to help!