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Our plans to refurbish the Vyrnwy aqueduct

The Vyrnwy aqueduct system helps to carry up to 210 million litres of water every day to supply homes and businesses in Cheshire and Merseyside.

Consisting of three pipelines starting in Oswestry, Wales and extending through Cheshire, before reaching our storage reservoir in Prescot, Liverpool. With a combined length of around 153 kilometres (95 miles) and measuring approximately 42 inches or just over one metre in diameter, these important pipelines are integral in helping us supply clean, fresh water to over 900,000 people.

Vyrnwy installationIt's been quite a while since these pipes were installed. The picture was taken during construction of a section in Cheshire during the late 1920s.

We have already carried out work on a section from Oswestry through to Malpas around five years ago and we're now planning to carry out maintenance on the remaining stretch of the aqueduct system from Malpas right through to Prescot.  We're busy planning the refurbishment and maintenance which will be carried out in phases and expect to have completed all phases of the project by 2028.

  • When the Vyrnwy aqueduct was officially opened on 14th July 1892, it was the longest aqueduct in the world. Although the pipes have served well, unfortunately due to their age, if the natural minerals that settle at the bottom are disturbed, it can sometimes effect the quality of tap water for our customers.

    To keep taps running with a safe, reliable and high quality supply for future generations, we need to carry out this programme of maintenance.

  • We'll be carrying out the project in phases , so work will take place on one line of the aqueduct system at a time.  The pipes are constructed of different materials and this will determine the method of refurbishment we use.

    In most instances we'll be inserting a new length of smaller diameter pipe snugly inside the older main.  This will involve digging large holes at specific location points along the pipeline route.  In some areas we can use high pressure water to flush through and remove the mineral deposits.

    Vyrnwy Aqueduct Maintenance Programme

  • We understand this is a large project and that construction work can be inconvenient and causes disruption for the communities around our working areas.

    We'll be doing all we can as our plans develop to minimise disruption and will be working closely with local authorities, stakeholders and the community to provide updates and local information sessions which explain how the proposed work would impact land owners, residents and road users.

    If you have any queries, you can complete our feedback form and a member of the team will be happy to help.

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Please get in touch with any queries or feedback regarding the Vyrnwy Aqueduct Maintenance Programme.

 

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