Anglian Water completes southern section of strategic pipeline amid climate pressures
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The completion of a major section of the UK’s largest water transfer scheme marks a pivotal moment in securing long-term water resilience for the East of England.
A landmark in infrastructure delivery
Anglian Water has announced the completion of the 127-kilometre southern stretch of its Strategic Pipeline project, a feat achieved across some of the most challenging terrain in the country. The section runs from Ancaster in Lincolnshire through Cambridgeshire and into Suffolk, forming a crucial part of a wider 580-kilometre network due for completion by the end of the decade.
The Strategic Pipeline is one of Europe’s most significant environmental infrastructure undertakings. Its purpose is to move water from the relatively wetter counties of North Lincolnshire to drier parts of the East of England, including Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The scheme will help the region cope with the twin challenges of climate change and population growth, while reducing pressure on ecologically sensitive water sources such as chalk streams.
The delivery required collaboration across the Strategic Pipeline Alliance, comprising Anglian Water and delivery partners Costain, Farrans, Jacobs and Mott MacDonald Bentley. Over the past four years, the teams have navigated the fenlands, avoiding disruption to communities, farms and habitats, while working to a tight schedule.
Engineering scope and innovation
The southern section is only one part of a complex network of new pipelines, pumping stations and storage facilities. By 2030, the entire scheme will comprise 580 kilometres of interconnected pipelines. These will be capable of moving millions of litres of water daily from areas of relative abundance to those experiencing shortages.
The pipeline’s construction has demanded a range of engineering approaches. In Norfolk, trials of an innovative pipe ploughing technique allowed sections to be laid with less surface disruption and a smaller environmental footprint. Alongside the pipes themselves, new pumping stations and storage reservoirs have been integrated into the plan. These include a 20 million litre storage facility near Bury St Edmunds to help balance flows and meet peak demand.
The Alliance also deployed advanced monitoring and digital modelling to predict flow requirements and assess the impact of future drought scenarios. This use of predictive data is central to Anglian Water’s broader climate adaptation strategy.
Strategic drivers: climate and growth
The East of England is among the driest regions in the UK, receiving only two-thirds of the national average rainfall. It is also one of the fastest growing. Anglian Water forecasts that the region will see one million additional residents by 2045, increasing demand for an already stretched water supply.
Climate change is compounding the challenge. More frequent and intense periods of drought have placed rivers, groundwater sources and the environment under severe stress. In response, Anglian Water has set out plans that focus on large-scale infrastructure, alongside demand management and efficiency measures.
The Strategic Pipeline is a centrepiece of this effort. By moving water over long distances, it reduces reliance on local abstractions in dry periods. This helps to maintain river flows, protect chalk streams and improve the resilience of wetlands and other sensitive ecosystems.
Community and environmental stewardship
Construction on a project of this scale inevitably interacts with the communities along its route. The Strategic Pipeline Alliance has implemented measures designed to leave a positive legacy. Schools along the pipeline corridor have received more than 2,500 donated books to support literacy programmes. Defibrillators have been provided in several villages and engagement sessions have kept residents informed about progress and impacts.
The environmental programme has been equally prominent. Measures have been taken to protect species such as water voles, bats, barn owls, badgers and swans. Temporary works have been designed to allow for the reinstatement of farmland, and new planting schemes have enhanced biodiversity in the pipeline corridor. In many locations, land has been returned to its original condition or improved for agricultural productivity.
Looking ahead
While the southern section’s completion is a milestone, much work remains. Additional pipeline sections in the north and east are under construction, with the full network scheduled for completion by 2030. Once finished, the Strategic Pipeline will be capable of moving enough water daily to supply hundreds of thousands of homes.
Beyond the pipeline, Anglian Water is progressing with plans for two new reservoirs, the first in England for more than 30 years. The Fens Reservoir in Cambridgeshire is expected to be operational by 2036, while the Lincolnshire Reservoir is scheduled for completion by 2040. These projects, approved by the government in 2025, will add long-term capacity and further reduce reliance on existing sources.
Peter Simpson, Chief Executive of Anglian Water, has described the Strategic Pipeline as critical to safeguarding the region’s water future. He emphasises that while demand management remains essential, large-scale infrastructure will play a decisive role in meeting the combined challenges of growth, environmental protection and climate change.
A model for future resilience
The Strategic Pipeline’s development comes as other regions across the UK face similar pressures. Industry observers suggest that the East of England model – a combination of major transfer infrastructure, new storage, and environmental safeguards – could inform future national strategies.
The project also demonstrates the value of coordinated delivery. By involving engineering firms, environmental specialists, local authorities and local communities, the Alliance has been able to keep the scheme moving across multiple counties and varied landscapes.
For Anglian Water, the completion of the southern section is a notable infrastructure milestone and an important element in strengthening the region’s long-term water supply.
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