Work progressing at Vyrnwy Aqueduct

Since 1892, the Vyrnwy Aqueduct, which runs from Lake Vyrnwy (pictured) through to Merseyside, has helped deliver clean wholesome drinking water to customers and communities across Cheshire, Merseyside and the North West region. 

However, the pipeline now requires work to ensure the quality of your drinking water and to reduce the number of water discolouration currently experienced by some of our customers that are supplied by the Vyrnwy Aqueduct.

We have already refurbished 40% of the pipe and will now be completing the remaining length from Malpas through to Merseyside between now and 2028.

We are starting the main construction in 2023 and we will split the work into three sections; 

• Malpas to Tarporley (2023 – 2025)
• Tarporley to Norton (2023 – 2027)
• Norton to Prescot (2025 – 2027)

We are working with local authorities and stakeholders across Cheshire and Merseyside to obtain the relevant permissions for our work and engaging with those communities most affected by our proposals.

John Hilton, Programme Director at United Utilities, said: “The Vyrnwy Aqueduct is an incredible feat of engineering and a vital asset that helps ensure we can supply high-quality drinking water to our customers.

“Upgrades at our water treatment works and refurbishment of the pipes which run south of Malpas have already been completed, and now the next phase of the programme in Cheshire and Merseyside can get underway.”

To find out more about The Vyrnwy Aqueduct Modernisation Programme visit our dedicated information hub here.