In 2014 work was set in motion to provide Lakeland water to 80,000 homes and businesses in West Cumbria.
The West Cumbria Pipeline project started providing water from Thirlmere reservoir in July 2022 through a 62 mile-long water pipeline
The project, which is the most significant and technically complex planning agreement delivered by LDNPA, includes a new water treatment plant, water storage facilities and significant associated infrastructure to deliver a reliable and long-term source of water to homes and businesses.
As a result of the installation, employment was provided for more than 50 Cumbrian firms and more than £52m was injected into the local economy.
The pipeline also safeguarded local species and habitats by removing the need for continued abstraction from a Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Working with Cumbria Community Foundation, United Utilities also developed a £600,000 legacy fund aimed at providing help for local people and groups impacted upon or based within the area of the project.
The project was delivered through a steering group which included United Utilities, Lake District National Park Authority, Allerdale Borough Council and Copeland Borough Council and a wide range of expert advisers including Natural England, the Environment Agency and highways and lead local flood authority teams at Cumbria County Council.
Read more about this project here: West Cumbria Pipeline.
