FAQs

In West Cumbria, we have some unique challenges.  Ennerdale, its lake and the River Ehen, are vulnerable, sensitive environments as well as being sources of water supply for homes and businesses. Water is also taken from other sensitive environments too, such as Crummock Water, Dash Beck and Overwater to meet the needs of the local population and its visitors.

Bringing water to the 80,000 homes and businesses via the new 62-mile long pipeline from a more strategic water source, which is Thirlmere, means we can better meet the demands now and in future as that population grows, while also protecting the very precious local environment by not taking water from those smaller sources.

Ennerdale and the River Ehen, for example, are incredibly vulnerable, sensitive environments which are protected by law. They are home to some very important species such as freshwater mussels, char, Atlantic salmon and lamprey.

Other areas, like that around Overwater, have been designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSIs) because of the nature and wildlife they attract.

There are a number of other small local sources such as Crummock Water, Chapelhouse Reservoir, Overwater, Dash Beck and a number of boreholes to abstract water from deep underground between Wigton and Aspatria.  As part of this scheme, Crummock Water, Chapelhouse Reservoir, Overwater and Dash Beck will no longer be used for drinking water sources and customers will receive their water from Thirlmere Reservoir, near Keswick.

Thirlmere is a large strategic water source and part of our integrated regional water supply system. When the new supply comes on line we will be using more of the water from Thirlmere for customers in Cumbria, and use capacity at other sources in the south of our region to make up the difference.

Our Water Resources Management Plan sets out how much water we think our customers need and how much we have available over the next 25 years and how we will meet that supply and demand. Experts assess and model what will affect the demand for water in the future and take into account factors like population growth and the impact of climate change.

Based on those assessments, which have also been subject to scrutiny by a Defra-appointed planning inspector, Thirlmere is the right solution to meet the needs of the population now and in future.

Once our new water treatment works, off the A595, is fully operational, from July 2022, then the existing water treatment works will stop abstracting and treating water. They will be shut down while we complete work to decommission them and agree what the long-term plans for those sites are.

The new water supply is from a great upland lake source, and if you currently get your water from another lake source then it will probably taste very similar. If you are used to a harder water supply from ground water sources, for example, then you may notice more of a difference.

Although many people think water has no taste, and it can be difficult to describe the taste of water, there are variations in the naturally occurring minerals and some organic compounds that can affect the taste of the water. The taste you experience can also be influenced by the presence of chlorine (which we use to kill any harmful germs) and certain plumbing materials can also affect the taste and odour of drinking water.

While we transitioned supplies from the local water treatment works to the new water treatment site at Williamsgate, fluoride dosing was paused to allow for all the commissioning activity to be carried out.  The commissioning activity is complete and fluoride dosing has recommenced in accordance with our legal obligations.

There are three outlet mains from Williamsgate Water Treatment Works, one serving the area previously supplied by Ennerdale, the second serving the area previously supplied by Cornhow Water Treatment Works and the third leg serving customers that were previously supplied by Quarry Hill Water Treatment Works. Fluoride will not be added to the third leg, and therefore customers previously supplied with water from Quarry Hill will continue to receive non fluoridated water.

Water for homes and businesses previously supplied by these boreholes will come direct from Thirlmere, then treated at our new treatment works at Williamsgate and isn’t blended with other sources in getting to your taps.

We have a commitment to return the land back to the same condition as we found it. We’re working with key local organisations and landowners to ensure that this is achieved.

It has taken longer than originally planned to complete the transition. Thank you for your patience. All areas have now changed over and are receiving water from Thirlmere reservoir.

The composition of water varies, depending on the original water source – reservoirs, lakes, rivers or when extracted from underground. It can even differ within the same town or village and throughout the changing seasons.

Whatever the source, the drinking water we provide is treated to ensure it’s safe for humans and pets to drink – meeting standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Fish and aquatic species are sensitive to their environment. Tanks, aquariums or ponds that use tap water will require you to carry out water treatment to ensure it is appropriate for the specific fish or aquatic species. Aquarium, pet shops or vets can provide information and advice to help you take the necessary steps and water treatment to keep aquariums, ponds and your fish healthy.

We are sending communications to each property affected by this change – that’s over 80,000.

Unfortunately, we aren’t able to guarantee that everyone will receive their letter on the same day but if you are affected you should receive your communication within a week of your neighbours. If you have any queries, please get in touch using our feedback form: https://uuhub.co.uk/westcumbriapipeline/feedback