Work to start in 2026 on Haweswater aqueduct overhaul

A £3bn agreement has been signed paving the way for contractor Cascade Infrastructure to begin upgrading the 70-year old pipeline.

Place reported in January that Cascade – a consortium involving Austrian civil engineer Strabag and Equitix – had been named preferred bidder for HARP – the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme.

UU has now concluded the formalities, allowing the project to head for the start line on what is expected to be a phased programme over eight years.

The 68-mile pipeline carries water from Cumbria to 2.5m customers in Greater Manchester and Lancashire. The pipeline uses gravity to carry 570m litres of water every day to customers and businesses.

As part of the programme to upgrade and improve the region’s strategic water network, this new contract paves the way for one of the largest water infrastructure programmes across the UK, and is the first in the water sector to be delivered through a Direct Procurement for Customers model.

Construction will get underway in 2026 and will see six tunnel sections replaced with most of the work happening below ground.

Louise Beardmore, chief executive at United Utilities, said: “Making the North West stronger, greener and healthier is at the heart of everything we do. Today marks a significant step to ensure we have the right infrastructure to provide a resilient water supply to communities right across the region for decades to come and, at the same time, creating hundreds of great quality jobs and delivering on the commitments and promises we have set out.”

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “We are rebuilding the water network from the ground up through one of the largest infrastructure projects ever seen in Britain.

“In a new era of partnership between government and industry, we are upgrading pipes, tackling sewage spills and safeguarding water security so communities can once again take pride in their rivers, lakes and seas. Investments in projects like the Haweswater Aqueduct will be essential in this effort to secure clean water for future generations.”

Work on the original construction began in 1933 and took 22 years to complete.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The Haweswater Aqueduct has served our region well for decades. This landmark investment ensures it will continue to do so for generations to come.

“It’s not just about securing the water supplies we need for our city region to grow – it’s also about creating jobs, building skills, and delivering long-term value for our communities.”

Aviva Investors is to provide £200m in financing for the project, on behalf of Aviva’s Insurance, Wealth and Retirement business.

• This story was updated on 26 August 2025 with information on financial support from Aviva Investors