People will have a chance to find out how construction of a new £300 million scheme to provide water to West Cumbria will affect them.

United Utilities currently provides water to the area from Ennerdale Water, but the abstraction licence is due to be revoked in 2022 to protect England's largest population of freshwater mussels in the River Ehen.

The company wants to use Thirlmere Reservoir as an alternative water source to provide 80 million litres per day to Allerdale and Copeland.

Planning permission for the project was granted late last year.

Nine events have been planned to present details about the work to residents, which includes construction of around 100km of pipeline, a new water treatment works north east of Bridekirk, near Hags Wood, with proposed pumping station, new service reservoirs at Moota Hill and at High Leys and new pumping stations at Harrot Hill and High Leys.

John Hilton, project director for United Utilities, said: "We hope many local people will come along to learn more about the schedule of work for this historic project, which will create a secure, long-term water supply for West Cumbria.

"Much of the pipeline's route will be in agricultural land, away from roads, to minimise inconvenience for motorists, residents and businesses.

"Nevertheless, this is a major engineering scheme, and we are sure many people will be interested to find out more about where, when and how we will be delivering the work."

A new 31.6km below ground water pipe between Thirlmere and Bridekirk will transport raw water, while a network of new water pipes will distribute treated water from the new water treatment works to Quarry Hill, Summergrove, Kelton Fell and Stainburn.

Work is expected to start in spring with preparatory work for a new water treatment works off the A595 at Williamsgate and laying the first length of pipeline from Williamsgate to Quarry Hill water treatment works.

Further work in the summer will include laying pipeline from Williamsgate to the River Derwent and a section of pipeline running from Bassenthwaite down to the A66 at Keswick.

Public exhibitions will take place at the following venues:

  • March 6, Bridgefoot Village Hall from 1pm to 6pm
  • March 8, Great Clifton Village Hall from 1pm to 6pm
  • March 9, Kirkgate Centre, Cockermouth, from 1pm to 7pm
  • March 14, Blindcrake Village Hall from 1pm to 6pm
  • March 15, Bothel Village Hall, from 1pm to 7pm
  • March 16, Allhallows Community Centre, Fletchertown, from 1pm to 7pm
  • March 21, Thirlmere Recreation Hall from 1pm to 7pm
  • March 22, The Lakes Distillery, Setmurthy, from 1pm to 7pm
  • March 23, Skiddaw Hotel, Main Street, Keswick, from 1pm to 7pm