Business
Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme Update
United Utilities Group PLC announced a £3 billion Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) to refurbish the 110km aqueduct supplying 2.5 million customers in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. The project, using a Direct Procurement for Customers model, will be delivered by Cascade Infrastructure and includes design, construction, maintenance, and financing. Construction begins in 2026, replacing six tunnel sections, and will create approximately 1200 jobs at its peak, including apprenticeships. The aqueduct currently transports 570 million liters of water daily. Disclaimer*
About this update from United Utilities Group Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n\n21 August 2025\n \nUnited Utilities Group PLC\nHaweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP) update\n \nUnited Utilities has signed 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 of England's population. \n \nThe 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.\n \nAs part of the programme to upgrade and improve the region's strategic water network, this new contract paves the way for one of the largest water infrastructure programmes across the UK, creating hundreds of jobs in the region. \n \nWith an estimated construction cost of circa £3 billion the programme will be delivered by Cascade Infrastructure, a consortium of partners within which bring a strong track record of delivering similar tunnelling schemes in Europe.\n \nThe 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.\n \nConstruction will get underway in 2026 and will see six tunnel sections replaced with most of the work happening below ground using the latest tunnelling techniques.\n \nAs well as securing supplies for millions of customers, the project will bring a range of economic benefits to the region. Around 1200 people will be employed at the construction peak with an apprentice recruitment programme to help build and secure skills for the future.\n \nLouise Beardmore, Chief Executive at United Utilities, said: \"Making the North West stronger, greener and healthier is at the heart of everything we do. Today marks a significant step to ensure we have the right infrastructure to provide a resilient water supply to communities right across the region for decades to come and, at the same time, creating hundreds of great quality jobs and delivering on the commitments and promises we have set out.\"\n \nWater Minister, Emma...