United Utilities’ (UU) mammoth Cumbrian water treatment works project is set to hit a host of new construction landmarks despite coronavirus challenges.
The company has now completed the revamp of 23 kilometres of water pipe as well as work on a “green” roof at a brand new water treatment works at Williamsgate.
Over the past 12 months the company has:
- Completed buildings at a new water treatment works at Williamsgate
- Installed 100km of new water pipes to transfer water from Thirlmere to the West Coast via the new Williamsgate works
- Constructted two new pumping stations and two underground service reservoirs
John Hilton, United Utilities’ project director, said: “This is the first time that we’ve undertaken a project of this scale and we are incredibly proud of our achievements so far.
“Despite many challenges including the Covid-19 outbreak, dry weather, extreme wet weather and flooding, we’re still on track to finish in 2022.
“We’re making great progress on the land reinstatement phase for many parts of the project and the longer daylight hours during the summer will mean our teams can work extended hours to get the land returned to normal where we’ve installed the new pipelines.”
During lockdown the new filtration buildings, storage tanks and offices were finished and construction of the twin aqueducts and new tunnels from Thirlmere Reservoir to Williamsgate was completed.
At High Leys service reservoir, which will store 50 million litres of treated water, the storage tanks and pumping station structure have been completed and tested, and the team is currently working on the electrical installations in the building. Work installing the roof is due to start in August 2020 with landscaping work and seeding taking place during August and September 2020.
At Moota Hill service reservoir, which holds 21 million litres of water, main construction works have now been completed and electrical installation has started. Landscaping work is continuing, with seeding on course to be finished this month. Planting of trees and hedges will begin this autumn and final testing is scheduled to take place during spring 2021.
Between the Lorton Valley and Stainburn two pipelines have been refurbished resulting in the restoration of just over 23km of pipes. The work has been completed through the process of slip lining which involves inserting a smaller diameter pipe inside an existing pipe. It was completed in July 2020 – a year ahead of schedule.