Planning bid for major pipeline to supply water from Thirlmere to thousands of Cumbrian homes and businesses

Planning applications have been submitted by United Utilities for a major new water scheme to supply homes and businesses in the west of Cumbria.The £300 million scheme would see the construction of around 100 kilometres of pipeline, plus associated infrastructure including new water treatment works, service reservoirs and a pumping station, to bring water from Thirlmere reservoir to supply homes and businesses.The scheme is designed to ease pressure on environmentally sensitive local water sources in west Cumbria, and provide a secure, long-term supply for the area.It will create up to 400 jobs over the four years of construction, subject to planning approval.Approximately 150,000 people in communities such as Whitehaven, Egremont, Ravenglass, Workington, Maryport, Silloth, Cockermouth and Wigton would receive their water via the new pipeline.United Utilities has been consulting with local communities on options for west Cumbria’s water supply and the route of the new pipeline since 2014.