The Grand Union Canal Transfer (GUCT) is launching its Phase Two Public Consultation – the second phase will run from Wednesday 11th February to Thursday 2nd April, with communities along the scheme’s proposed route able to contribute their thoughts and opinions on how the scheme is progressing.
The GUCT is a joint water transfer project between two water companies, Affinity Water and Severn Trent, and the Canal & River Trust charity, the owner and navigation authority of the canals in England and Wales.
The scheme is an innovative and sustainable solution to future water supply challenges, using 18th century infrastructure assets to solve a 21st century problem.
The scheme, which has been designated as a Project of National Significance by the government, will transfer highly treated recycled water from the Midlands to the Southeast to ensure future drinking water supplies for the region, and to strengthen the UK’s water infrastructure.
The scheme will begin at the Minworth Wastewater Recycling Centre near Birmingham, where water is planned to be transferred via a new pipeline to Atherstone in Warwickshire. It will then begin its journey along the Coventry, Oxford and the Grand Union canals. Once water has been transferred through the canal network, it will be piped from the canal, stored and treated again at a new water treatment works before being transferred as clean drinking water to an existing reservoir near Luton.
Natasha Coackley, Head of Strategic Resource Options for Affinity Water, said:
“We’re excited to announce our upcoming Phase Two Public Consultation for the Grand Union Canal Transfer, a truly innovative and vital water transfer scheme that will provide crucial water resilience for Affinity Water customers, as well as benefits for those living and working along the scheme’s proposed route.
“Engaging with the communities, residents and businesses that will be impacted by the scheme enables us to build a scheme that works for everyone. From identifying opportunities to embed social value in locations along the route, to partnering with local businesses, there are an abundance of opportunities for us to work collaboratively. Our consultation events provide a wonderful platform to explore these ideas and feedback further.”
The UK’s largest water-only supply company, Affinity Water provides,on average, 950 million litres of water each day to more than 3.8 million people in parts of Bedfordshire, Berkshire,Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire,Surrey, the London Boroughs of Harrow and Hillingdon and parts of the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, and Enfield.
Severn Trent is one of the largest regulated water and seweragecompanies in the UK, providing water and waste services to more than 4.5 million homes and businesses in the Midlands, from the outskirts of Bristol to the southern suburbs of Sheffield.
The scheme will have the capacity to deliver up to 115 million litres per day to Affinity Water’s customers and is expected to be operational by 2033.
Click here to access the Great Union Canal Transfer website
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