It’s part of plans to build a 70km long water pipe through the region
A “strategic” 70km pipeline could be built through Cambridge to ease pressure on one of the UK’s most “water-stressed regions”. Anglian Water is planning to build the pipeline from the Grafham Water reservoir through Cambridge to the village of Rede in West Suffolk.
In this second stage of the plans, a 49km water pipe will be built from Cambridge to Rede, south of Bury St Edmunds. Ian Rule, director of water services at Anglian Water, said: “The East of England is one of the driest and fastest‑growing regions in the country, and climate change is putting increasing pressure on the water resources we all depend on.
“The Cambridge to Rede pipeline is a vital part of our long‑term plan to keep taps flowing for future generations, while protecting the environment and reducing reliance on sensitive sources like chalk streams. At this early stage, it’s really important that we listen to the communities along the proposed route.
“This consultation is about sharing information, answering questions and making sure local views help shape the plans before we move forward.” The East of England is the driest and one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.
The proposed pipeline would transfer water from areas where it is more available to places where supplies are under increasing pressure. This aims to reduce the number of homes and businesses dependent on a single water source.
Andy Alder, managing director for major infrastructure delivery at Anglian Water, said: “Delivering infrastructure on this scale has to be done in the right way – with communities, not around them. We’ve already carried out extensive environmental and archaeological surveys to help shape the proposed route and avoid sensitive areas wherever possible, and we’ll continue to refine our plans as we gather feedback.
“By using modern construction techniques and careful planning, our aim is to minimise disruption while leaving a positive legacy for the areas we work in.” Anglian Water has launched a consultation which seeks people’s views on the proposed pipeline.
Anyone who would like to share feedback can do so by emailing strategicpipelines@anglianwater.co.uk or calling 03457 145145 and quoting strategic pipelines. The consultation closes on April 12.