Water company United Utilities has launched a new consultation on its improved plans for a huge new pipeline in Cumbria.

The water company’s engineers are staging a series of eleven public exhibitions throughout March setting out the new proposals.

This is the second time United Utilities has consulted on the potential route of its planned water pipeline between Thirlmere reservoir, near Keswick, and west Cumbria.

Last year, the company asked people to consider three alternatives as well as possible sites for a new water treatment plant.

After listening to people’s comments, engineers have now come up with a single preferred route, and also want to hear views on a new treatment plant at Bridekirk, as well as further work to improve and create additional smaller pipelines in west Cumbria itself.

The new aqueduct route loosely follows the direction of the A591 northwards, skirting Keswick and passing east of Bassenthwaite Lake, before turning due west towards Bridekirk.

John Hilton, United Utilities’ programme director, said:

“This will give west Cumbria a new drinking supply, which is much more reliable and more capable of meeting the area's future demands.”

The initial consultation will run until mid-July.