AN eight-year project to complete a huge new water pipeline is nearing fruition.

"From April 2022, West Cumbria will start to receive water from Thirlmere reservoir, near Keswick," residents have been told by United Utilities (UU).

"For more than 120 years, water for 80,000 homes and businesses in and around the towns of Egremont, Cockermouth and Whitehaven has come from local sources.

"But this area is also home to many rare and protected species, and the risk to precious wildlife, along with the growth of population, means we need to find other sources of water other than Ennerdale, Crummock and Overwater."

In a letter to customers, UU said: "Since 2014 we've been working to complete a huge new water pipeline.

"The scale of the engineering involved hasn't been seen since Manchester Corp built the Thirlmere and Haweswater supply scheme in the 1890s and 1930s.

"We've been building a 62-mile long pipeline, a brand new water treatment plan and state of the art water storage facilities too, all while ensuring we respect one of the UK's most beautiful locations."

The first stage will begin in April.

"We will be tapping into capacity at this reservoir, ensuring there is enough water for West Cumbria's households and businesses as well as supporting the rest of the region," said the company.

They will be holding a series of Working for You open sessions in March where you can learn more about the project.

"Your water will becoming from a great Lakeland water source, the Thirlmere Reservoir. We're not blending the water with other sources and it will meet all the strict water quality standards you expect," said UU.

Raw, untreated water will be transported down the pipeline to the new Williamsgate Water Treatment Works just off the A595 near Redmain.

The company will be able to treat up to 80 million litres of water every day, said a spokesman.

"Every day we’ll test it for everything from bacteria to metals, pesticides and even taste and odour to make sure it meets our strict quality standards before sending it on through new and refurbished distribution pipes to our service reservoirs, where we’ll store it ready for delivery to you.

"Our team are working hard to return the landscape to how it was before we started. This includes replacing hedgerows, dry stone walls, fencing and gates."