A NEW £300million water treatment works has opened - and is set to provide water for up to 80,000 homes across west Cumbria from Thirlmere Reservoir.

Williamsgate Treatment works, near Redmain, and the two new service reservoirs, have taken more than five years to complete and have enough storage for 100 million litres of water: the equivalent of 40 Olympic size swimming pools.

1,400 homes in Ireby and Redmain have been the first to be switched over to the new plant, with the remaining homes being transferred in October.

Alongside the new treatment works, more than 100km of pipeline have been installed alongside 1,000km of cable.

"To have the first customers receiving water through their taps from the new treatment work is a fantastic achievement for us," United Utilities project director John Hilton said.

BACKGROUND: New water supply for 80,000 homes as 62-mile pipeline is completed

"This is one of the largest feats of engineering we’ve ever undertaken at United Utilities and I’m incredibly proud of the work that has been done by all our teams and contractors to deliver it."

Times and Star: A filtration pool at the facility. Credit United Utilities.A filtration pool at the facility. Credit United Utilities.

More than 1,200 people have worked on the project, including 50 Cumbrian firms, which has injected over £52million into the local economy.

All the piping used on the project came through Workington Docks leaving 'a legacy of investment', according to Mr Hilton.

Whitehaven-born Luke Johnston started out as one of eight local apprentices and has now gone on to be a project manager at United Utilities.

"It’s fantastic," said Mr Johnston. "People from this area are really benefitting from this project and it’s great to see."

Times and Star: A filtration unit at the plant. Credit United UtilitiesA filtration unit at the plant. Credit United Utilities

Previously West Cumbria received its water from Ennerdale Water and the Riven Ehen, but was forced to change as the area plays host to several protected species.

Sustainability has been at the heart of the new development with over 400,000 tonnes of earth dug up retained on site.

The facility has also been designed to 'merge into the natural contours of the surrounding countryside' and incorporates a living roof to help blend into the scenery.

"We judge our successes by people saying you can’t tell we were there", Mr Hilton said.

Times and Star: The living roof of the new water treatment worksThe living roof of the new water treatment works

"We’ve thought about the local environment we’re working in and have embraced the latest technology to ensure we’ve delivered a treatment works that will provide West Cumbria with a more sustainable water supply."

Despite the project facing several challenges along the way, including Covid, the West Cumbria Supplies Project has been completed on time.  

And with capacity to supply 150,000 homes in the future, United Utilities hope that the project will 'futureproof' the area’s water supply for the next 25 years.

BACKGROUND: New water supply for 80,000 homes as 62-mile pipeline is completed