Cambridgeshire is set to face increasing pressures on its water resources over the next two decades, as climate change causes higher temperatures and less rainfall than the UK average.
We need to make significant reductions to our current abstraction from chalk streams to restore and protect these special environments for the future.
Demand for water in our area will increase by 13% by 2043, caused by a projected population rise of 6% and substantial forecast economic growth. These challenges combined mean that if we don’t act now, we will run out of water.
The pipeline from Grafham to Cambridge will keep taps running for years to come. With a duty to protect the environment from abstraction, combined with the government’s significant growth plans in Cambridge for housing and employment, this water source will be critical for ensuring a reliable, long-term water supply, bringing sustainable prosperity and development in Cambridge for future generations.
Update on project
We have identified a preferred route for the pipeline and have submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report to the Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) crossed by the route; Huntingdonshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council. The EIA Scoping Report provides information about the proposed Scheme and sets out the scope and methodology for the environmental assessments we plan to carry out to support the planning application, so that the LPAs can provide their Scoping Opinion.
Environmental surveys, ground investigation and engineering work are ongoing and will feed into the final route, for which we intend to submit a planning application in 2026. We always endeavour to minimise our impact on communities and the environment, and work with local communities to deliver a legacy along the route.
If you would like to contact us about the Grafham to Cambridge section of the project, please email: estates@south-staffs-water.co.uk.
Our impact
We always endeavour to minimise our impact on communities and the environment, and work with local communities to deliver a legacy along the route.