Copeland MP Trudy Harrison has launched a petition in a bid to stop West Cumbrian drinking water being drawn from boreholes in Egremont.

Since the water company began mixing soft water from Ennerdale with water from the boreholes in June, people have been complaining about a raft of health problems.

The MP's petition asks the Environment Agency to allow United Utilities to draw all of Copeland's water supply from Ennerdale until the completion of the Thirlmere project in 2022.

Mrs Harrison will hold a meeting with Copeland's mayor Mike Starkie, the Environment Agency, The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and United Utilities to discuss the proposal.

She said: "Since Copeland's water supply has altered to incorporate 'harder' water from boreholes near Egremont, I have been inundated with correspondence from residents asking me to explore the situation further.

"I strongly encourage residents to sign the petition ahead of the meeting to demonstrate the strength of feeling in the community.

"Here in Copeland we have received fresh Ennerdale water since the 1850s and we as a community are accustomed to the soft water of Ennerdale and should not have to make do with a 50:50 mix."

Merging water from the two sources means west Cumbria's water supply is now harder than in cities such as Manchester and Liverpool.


Trudy Harrison Mrs Harrison added: "During this transitional period, until our water is supplied from Thirlmere, I urge for the continuation of fresh supplies from Ennerdale Water.

"I recognise the importance of a protected eco system, however, this should not be at the cost of Copeland's fresh water supply.

"We should be looking at ways for a continued supply of fresh water while at the same time safeguarding our natural habitats."

Sign the petition here http://tinyurl.com/Ennerdale