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13 February 2025
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Feb 13, 2025Smart Water Magazine
Smart Water Magazine has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing 20,000 followers on LinkedIn, reinforcing its role as the go-to global platform for water sector professionals. This achievement highlights the magazine’s influence in fostering knowledge-sharing, innovation, and engagement among industry leaders, companies, and decision-makers working to shape the future of water management.
Smart Water Magazine’s LinkedIn audience reflects a dynamic and highly engaged community:
These numbers confirm that Smart Water Magazine is not just a news outlet—it is a key meeting point for professionals and companies driving the transformation of the global water industry.
The growth on LinkedIn is just one part of Smart Water Magazine’s comprehensive ecosystem, which includes a robust digital presence, a prestigious print edition, high-engagement newsletters, and industry-leading webinars.
Smart Water Magazine is not just reporting on the industry—it is shaping its future. By focusing on strategic engagement through LinkedIn, we are reaching the professionals and companies that define the water sector’s evolution in the 21st century. From digitalization and climate resilience to desalination, infrastructure investment, and water governance, we ensure that industry leaders stay ahead of the curve.
Reaching 20,000 LinkedIn followers is just the beginning. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to delivering high-quality insights, fostering global discussions, and providing the platforms that professionals need to thrive in a rapidly evolving water landscape.
Thank you to all our followers! If you haven’t joined us yet, follow Smart Water Magazine on LinkedIn and be part of the global water conversation.
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Scottish Water - Award Winning Partnership Pilot Set To Deliver Up To £9 Billion Of InvestmentIts £500 million Improving Urban Waters programme has been named ‘Partnership of the Year’ at the Water Industry Awards for its innovative and integrated approach.
Now, the publicly owned utility is set to use the same model to deliver up to £9 billion of investment to transform Scotland’s public assets to keep taps flowing and protect the environment.
Scottish Water Alliance Manager Lynsey Lennon said:
“Our Improving Urban Waters programme committed us to delivering over 100 projects in less than five years.
“We decided to take a combined approach, bringing together our team members with our alliance partner, modellers, designers and survey partners into one integrated team.
“The result is we are getting projects to site in a third of the time that it took in the past, and that achievement has been recognised.”
Scottish Water is carrying out its largest ever procurement process, inviting firms to bid to be involved in an enterprise-style programme – known as Delivery Vehicle 4 – between 2027 and 2033 and potentially for a further six years.
It is anticipated the total investment – known as SR27 - of between £5 billion and £9 billion will support around 4000 jobs and create opportunities for 1500 young people.
Lynsey Lennon added:
“These are exciting times for Scottish Water and our partners and a real opportunity to bring great value for customers as we invest their money in our futures.
“Innovation is key, not only in the technologies and materials we use, but in our approach to how we bring together the expertise, know-how and processes to deliver real benefits.
“We had already started to apply elements of our experience with the Improving Urban Waters model to other programmes of work, and we will see much more of this way of working in the next investment period.”
Scottish Water’s Improving Urban Waters team includes Caledonia Water Alliance, modellers and designers at M2 and ARC and survey partner Clancy.
Water Briefing
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05 August 20252 min readScottish Water - Award Winning Partnership Pilot Set To Deliver Up To £9 Billion Of Investment
Water Briefing
05 August 2025
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Northumbrian Water Launches Preliminary Market Engagement For £240 Million Bran Sands Long Sea Outfall ProjectThe objective of the project is to reduce nitrogen loadings in the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area (SPA) by 1st April 2030. This will be achieved by removing the Bran Sands discharge from the River Tees and discharging directly to the North Sea to improve dispersion and dilution.
A Long Sea Outfall for Bran Sands was supported and approved by Ofwat in the regulator’s final determination of the water company’s PR24 business plan. The Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (2023) requires a Technically Achievable Limit of Total Nitrogen of 10mg/l at 'designated STWs' that serve a population equivalent of more than 2,000 people by 1 April 2030 and are within the Nutrient Neutrality area.
To deliver this, the driver was included in the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP) under the Habitats Directive for Nutrient Neutrality.
The project indicatively consists of three works packages:
Types of work under the packages, which may be tendered and awarded individually or in combination, could include:
Northumbrian Water says it welcomes interest from all suitable contractors and suppliers - it is mandatory for any interested suppliers to register on the new Central Digital Platform
At this stage, the water company expects to receive individual entity responses. Once the procurement strategy has been defined, Northumbrian Water is aware that delivery approaches may involve responses from JVs, consortium etc.
The aims of the market engagement activity are as follows:
The Market Engagement Process consists of:
Interested suppliers are required to provide the following information when they submit an expression of interest
Northumbrian Water will review questionnaire responses and select the most suitable suppliers to attend the engagement session. Preference will be given to suppliers with a recent demonstrable track record of delivering long length large-diameter outfall pipeline projects (or part of) of this nature
The water company will hold an in-person workshop / round table session with all invited participants - Northumbrian Water expects to invite c15. The date will be confirmed to shortlisted suppliers once known
Once Northumbrian Water has completed the market engagement, it will then develop a procurement strategy to deliver the project. If this results in an open market competition, any material shared during the engagement process will be included within the tender documents.
Expressions of interest to complete the questionnaire must be sent to via e-mail before the deadline of 12pm on Wednesday 20 August 2025 to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. Once the expression of interest window has closed, a link to the questionnaire will be sent to the email address provided by interested suppliers on 21 August 2025. Deadline for completing and submitting the questionnaire is 5pm on Thursday 4 September 2025.
Suppliers selected for further engagement may be invited to an in-person workshop on Tuesday 16th September - further details will be provided following receipt of questionnaires.
Northumbrian Water’s current estimated publication date of a formal tender notice is 2 March 2026. Current estimated start and end contract dates are 31 October 2026 to 31 March 2030
Water Briefing
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05 August 20253 min readNorthumbrian Water Launches Preliminary Market Engagement For £240 Million Bran Sands Long Sea Outfall Project
Water Briefing
05 August 2025
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Northumbrian Water Engages Market On Delivery Of £200M Outfall Pipeline Into North SeaNorthumbrian Water has commenced market engagement on the delivery of its Bran Sands Long Sea Outfall, valued at £200M (£240M with VAT).
The ambitious Bran Sands Long Sea Outfall project represents an effort to tackle nutrient pollution in the Teesmouth and Cleveland Coast Special Protection Area (SPA).
Scheduled for completion by April 2030, the scheme is designed to reduce nitrogen loadings by redirecting the Bran Sands treatment works discharge from the River Tees directly into the North Sea. This strategic move promises enhanced dispersion and dilution of nitrogen, supporting compliance with stringent environmental regulations and safeguarding critical marine and estuarine ecosystems.
The outfall was part of Northumbrian Water’s PR24 business plan, which has been approved by Ofwat. It responds directly to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (2023), which mandates a technically achievable total nitrogen limit of 10mg/l at designated sewage treatment works serving populations exceeding 2,000 within nutrient-sensitive areas by 2030.
The utility wrote in its PR24 business plan: “The current preference is to build a long sea outfall from our Bran Sands treatment works. This would mean that instead of treated wastewater entering the Tees estuary from Bran Sands, this would now be discharged further out to sea. This treated wastewater is clean and safe for the environment, but still contains nutrients which could cause algae to grow, affecting ecosystems in the Tees estuary. This would not be a problem in the sea, where there would be a lower concentration of nutrients.”
The Bran Sands project is not merely an environmental imperative but also a sizeable engineering challenge.
Currently, the project is planned to unfold in three primary works packages:
The flexibility in procurement – allowing for packages to be tendered individually or as combined contracts – aims to attract a broad range of contractors with specialised expertise.
The scope of work spans the full gamut of civil and marine engineering disciplines. Early contractor involvement is anticipated, a strategy that underscores the project’s complexity and the need for collaborative innovation. Crucial phases include environmental, geotechnical and geophysical surveys both onshore and offshore to inform route alignment and construction methods. While tunnelling options remain under consideration, the deployment of large-diameter polyethylene pipes with concrete ballast for dredged outfall installation and the construction of marine diffuser structures are confirmed highlights.
Given the project’s scale and environmental sensitivity, Northumbrian Water’s market engagement is methodical and intention-driven. The utility aims first to gauge supplier appetite and capacity to deliver such technically demanding schemes. This engagement includes a comprehensive contractor questionnaire, focusing on capabilities, relevant project experience and value addition, ensuring only capable firms progress to the workshop phase. Preference will be given to entities with recent, demonstrable success in delivering long-length, large-diameter outfall pipelines.
The engagement process will culminate in an in-person workshop or round table involving approximately 15 shortlisted participants. This forum will serve as a platform for dialogue on procurement strategies, including how best to package and advertise the work to maximise value and market interest. Northumbrian Water intends to balance exclusive use of established framework partners with opportunities for open competition.
The envisaged contract timeline stretches from October 2026 through March 2030, indicating a phased delivery approach that aligns with regulatory deadlines.
The integration of sophisticated pumping stations and headworks, coupled with the offshore marine construction, positions this project as a landmark in environmental infrastructure within the region.
Beyond its direct environmental benefits, the Bran Sands Long Sea Outfall project promises substantial economic stimulus through procurement and contract awards. It will engage suppliers across civil, mechanical, electrical and marine specialties, potentially fostering joint ventures and consortia collaborations reflective of the multifaceted skill sets required.
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05 August 20254 min readNorthumbrian Water Engages Market On Delivery Of £200M Outfall Pipeline Into North Sea
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05 August 2025
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Severn Trent Extends Deadline For Supply Chain Engagement On £200 Million Minworth Sro To 7 September 2025The Minworth SRO is the Northern Section of the wider Grand Union Canal Transfer SRO. The Grand Union Canal Transfer (GUCT) is a collaborative initiative between Affinity Water and Severn Trent, aimed at bringing water from the Midlands to the South East.
The GUCT project intends to take treated wastewater from SVE’s Minworth Wastewater Treatment Works to be delivered to Affinity customers in the South East via the Canal and Rivers Trust’s (CRT) Grand Union Canal.
GUCT encompasses two Strategic Resource Options (SROs); Minworth SRO in the north and the GUC SRO in the south.
The Minworth SRO is being delivered by Severn Trent while the GUC SRO is being delivered by Affinity Water.
The Minworth SRO seeks to provide a sustainable solution to meet future water demands and improve water security in the Southeast region.
Broadly speaking, the Minworth SRO encompasses the construction of an Advanced Water Treatment Plant (AWTP) on Severn Trent’s existing Minworth site and transfer via an underground pipeline to an outfall into the Coventry Canal at Atherstone. From there, the GUC SRO project will take the water along the existing canal network before being abstracted and treated near Luton.
Image: Minworth SRO diagram of requirements
It is currently intended that the GUC SRO will be delivered by Affinity Water using the Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) process. Severn Trent does not intend to deliver the Minworth SRO using the DPC process but iunstead plans to deliver it in house.
Current estimated start and end contract dates for Minworthare 1 December 2028 to 1 December 2030.
Severn Trent is inviting interested suppliers to complete an online form – required information includes:
Click here for more information about the Severn Trent Minworth SRO
Click here for additional information about the GUCT SRO
Water Briefing
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01 August 20252 min readSevern Trent Extends Deadline For Supply Chain Engagement On £200 Million Minworth Sro To 7 September 2025
Water Briefing
01 August 2025
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127Km Of Pipelaying For Anglian Water Network Across Challenging Fenlands CompletedAnglian Water’s major infrastructure project spanning 127km across eastern England has reached a significant milestone with the completion of pipelaying along its southern section.
The 127km section of pipeline, running from Bexwell to Colchester, forms part of a wider strategic network extending from North Lincolnshire to Essex, essentially creating a water grid longer than the M1 motorway.
This extensive network, delivered by the Strategic Pipeline Alliance – a consortium including Anglian Water, Costain, Farrans, Jacobs and Mott MacDonald Bentley – is designed to address the growing pressure on water supplies caused by rapid population growth and climate change in the region. The pipeline will enable the transfer of between 15M – 55M litres of water per day from wetter to drier areas, helping to prevent supply shortages predicted by 2030.
Constructing the pipeline through the challenging Fenlands – a marshy region with sensitive ecological habitats – careful water level management and environmental protection measures. The project has worked to safeguard local wildlife, including water voles, rare birds, bats, badgers and swans. Efforts are now focused on restoring affected land and returning it to local owners and communities.
Alongside the pipeline, related infrastructure such as pumping stations and storage reservoirs are being built. One notable facility nearing completion is a large clean water reservoir at Rede, near Bury St Edmunds, capable of holding 20M litres of water. This reservoir will supply towns including Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, and Colchester.
The project is the largest drinking water initiative undertaken in the UK in recent decades and is part of Anglian Water’s broader £11bn investment programme, nearly twice its size from the previous five-year period. Completion of this strategic water grid will pave the way for the construction of the company’s two planned new reservoirs before 2030, which are expected to provide further water security and support local economies through job creation.
In addition to its engineering achievements, the project has contributed to local communities by donating over 2,500 books to primary schools, supporting literacy initiatives, planting thousands of trees to enhance biodiversity, and providing defibrillators to public areas.
This strategic pipeline forms a critical part of efforts to future-proof water supply in eastern England amid changing climatic conditions and demographic pressures, marking a significant step in regional infrastructure development.
Anglian Water chief executive Mark Thurston said: “The next five years will define how we secure water for future generations. Strategic infrastructure like this pipeline will be essential for the significant growth in our region and building resilience in the face of a changing climate. As we experience hotter, drier summers and record-breaking demand – like the 30% increase in water use we saw in June – this pipeline marks a big step forward. We’re putting water resources in place, ready for when they’re needed most.”
Anglian Water managing director for major infrastructure delivery Andy Alder said: “Completing pipelaying in the south marks a meaningful milestone along our strategic pipeline. While moving water supply is essential for our future generations, this project is about more than that – it’s about protecting the ecosystems that depend on it. By reducing the need to take water from sensitive sources like chalk streams, we’re helping to keep more water in our rivers and allow nature to thrive. It’s a vital step in building a resilient, sustainable future for our region.
“I’m incredibly proud of what the team has delivered, and this milestone is a testament to their hard work, dedication and shared commitment to doing what’s right for both our people and the environment in the East of England.”
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01 August 20254 min read127Km Of Pipelaying For Anglian Water Network Across Challenging Fenlands Completed
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01 August 2025
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Granite Wins $230 Million In Contracts For Nev. Wastewater System ProjectGranite has secured the second and third work packages under a $230 million Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contract for the Garnet Valley Wastewater System project. Awarded by the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), this contract represents a key component of a broader $900 million infrastructure initiative in the Apex Industrial Park, developed in partnership with the City of North Las Vegas. These awards were reflected in Granite’s 2024 fourth quarter CAP.
“Granite is well-positioned to deliver a successful project based on its nearly 30-year history in Las Vegas and its vast amount of collaborative delivery experience,” said Granite Vice President of Regional Operations Chris Burke. “Strategic partnerships have been leveraged to ensure that Granite can satisfy this client's needs.”
Southern Nevada maximizes its water resources by treating and recycling 99% of the water used indoors in its service area. Treating wastewater and returning it to Lake Mead extends Southern Nevada’s water resources through return-flow credits. The construction of the Garnet Valley Wastewater System will help ensure the sustainable development of resources and reduce water demand impacts to the Colorado River.
Project Scope Includes:
Construction began in June 2025 and is expected to be completed in December 2027.
Underground Infrasturcture
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31 July 20251 min readGranite Wins $230 Million In Contracts For Nev. Wastewater System Project
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31 July 2025
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Advanced Technologies Enable Reuse Of 18.1 Billion Cubic Meters Of WaterUtilities and businesses around the world have reused 18.1 billion cubic meters of water since 2019, enabled by solutions from global water technology leader Xylem, the Company revealed in its most recent Sustainability Report. That volume is enough to meet the annual water needs of more than 350 million people, based on global use estimates.1
Reuse is just one part of a broader effort to increase global water security – alongside the implementation of advanced treatment and digital technologies. Water managers are using the innovations to protect water sources, remove contaminants, reduce emissions, and make water infrastructure more resilient.
“Our customers are tackling the world’s toughest water challenges,” said Matthew Pine, Xylem President and Chief Executive Officer. “Their results show the impact of scaling proven technology solutions to strengthen water systems. The work they do empowers businesses and communities to become more water-secure.”
In 2019, Xylem launched its 2025 Sustainability Goals, including several targeting the positive impact its technology enables for its customers. Since then, Xylem solutions have enabled customers to:
Xylem achieved all four of its 2025 Customer Sustainability Goals ahead of schedule. Building on that momentum, the company has set a bold new target: enabling customers to reduce annual water demand by 2 billion cubic meters by 2030.
“We partner with our customers to advance their sustainability ambitions, creating positive impact in the communities we all serve,” said Claudia Toussaint, Chief Sustainability Officer. “This report shows how our commitment to sustainability leadership enhances Xylem’s competitiveness in the marketplace. By embedding sustainability in every aspect of our business and culture, we are empowering our customers and communities to achieve the water security essential to health and economic growth."
Xylem’s impact also extends across its value chain. In 2024, 43% of Xylem’s supplier spending supported partners aligned with WASH4Work, a global initiative focused on expanding access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene.
www.xylem.com
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30 July 20252 min readAdvanced Technologies Enable Reuse Of 18.1 Billion Cubic Meters Of Water
Water Plant Technology
30 July 2025
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Ofwat Confirms Business-As-Usual For £600 Million Innovation Fund ActivitiesOfwat has published the statement clarifying the position following the publication last week of the Cunliffe report which recommended that Ofwat should be abolished and replaced by a new single integrated regulator.
The UK government has confirmed that it supports the recommendation to establish a new water regulator in England that will bring together Ofwat, the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the water functions of the Environment Agency and Natural England.
The Independent Water Commission has also recommended changes to the regulatory arrangements in Wales for the Welsh Government to consider.
The government will publish a white paper in the autumn and bring forward legislation in 2026. The government has also confirmed that Ofwat will remain in place and continue to operate during the transition to the new regulator.
The government is not revisiting the 2024 price review funding decisions including the £600 million Innovation Fund. Ofwat commented:
“We will therefore continue delivering our business-as-usual activities, including the Innovation Fund. The sixth Water Breakthrough Challenge will open on 8 September 2025 as planned.”
Last month the £600 million Ofwat Innovation Fund published its latest learning report, From source to sea: harnessing nature and communities for whole catchment innovation, highlighting nature’s role in solving water sector challenges.
Last month Ofwat also separately awarded an £18.4 million contract for Innovation Fund AMP8 delivery partners to support it in delivering the Innovation Fund and aspects of the Water Efficiency Fund during the AMP 8 investment period running from April 2025 to March 2030.
Water Briefing
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28 July 20252 min readOfwat Confirms Business-As-Usual For £600 Million Innovation Fund Activities
Water Briefing
28 July 2025
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Northumbrian Water Completes Multi-Million Pound Investment In Rural Sewage Treatment Works SiteNorthumbrian Water’s £5.3 million project at the site in Allendale, Northumberland, adds protection to the River East Allen and watercourses downstream, as well as enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the treatment services it provides.
The investment has seen the replacement of elements of the plant on the company’s site, enabling it to continue to meet the demands of local population growth and of climate change.
The work has been carried out by the water company’s partner, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB).
Jonathan Shaw, Northumbrian Water’s Project Manager, said:
“This important investment helps us to tackle the twin challenges of population growth and increased rainfall from climate change, both of which create additional combined rainwater and sewage to enter the site.
“We are happy to say the upgrades to the site have been completed, and we would like to thank those customers who live close to the site, and who will have seen and heard additional work at Allendale Sewage Treatment Works over the past 12 months.”
Water Briefing
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24 July 20251 min readNorthumbrian Water Completes Multi-Million Pound Investment In Rural Sewage Treatment Works Site
Water Briefing
24 July 2025
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Veolia Saves 108 Million M³ Of Water And Cuts 2.8 Million Tonnes Of Co₂...Veolia reported significant environmental gains across Asia in 2024, conserving 108 million m³ of freshwater through water reuse, desalination, and leakage reduction efforts. The volume saved is equivalent to supplying the daily water needs of over two million people for a year. In addition to water conservation, the company helped reduce more than 2.8 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions (Scope 4) for municipal and industrial clients.
These results support national environmental agendas such as China’s Dual Carbon Goal, South Korea’s Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth strategy, and Singapore’s Green Plan 2030. The outcomes are part of Veolia’s GreenUp strategic programme, launched in 2024, which aims to deploy environmental solutions at scale, foster innovation, reduce emissions, and regenerate natural resources.
Selected impacts from GreenUp in Asia include:
“Ecological transformation is our responsibility,” said Christophe Maquet, Veolia senior executive vice-president, Asia Pacific. “We work to shift production and consumption patterns so economic growth aligns with environmental goals. With 30 years in Asia and operations in 50 countries, we help cities and industries cut emissions, preserve resources, and build resilience.”
He added, “Our 2024 results reflect strong local partnerships and a clear focus on impact, guided by our GreenUp strategy. Looking ahead, we strive to continue advancing innovation, strengthening collaboration, and driving sustainable progress in the region.”
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22 July 20252 min readVeolia Saves 108 Million M³ Of Water And Cuts 2.8 Million Tonnes Of Co₂...
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22 July 2025
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Affinity Water Starts Market Engagement For £510M Grand Union Canal Transfer SchemeAffinity Water and Severn Trent Water have taken a significant steps forward in the development of the Grand Union Canal Transfer scheme, a major new project aimed at bolstering water supply from the Midlands to Southeast England.
Affinity Water is engaging on delivery of the Grand Union Transfer itself, while Severn Trent is seeking feedback on plans for the Minworth Advanced Water Treatment Plant, which is associated with the scheme.
Grand Union engagement
Affinity Water has issued a preliminary market engagement notice, signalling the start of an early market consultation for this nationally significant infrastructure initiative, anticipated to be worth approximately £425M excluding VAT (£510M with VAT).
The Grand Union Canal Transfer is a collaborative effort involving Affinity Water, Severn Trent Water and the Canal & River Trust, the charity responsible for the upkeep of the canal network across England and Wales. The project seeks to leverage the existing canal infrastructure alongside new water treatment works, pumping stations, transfer pipelines and environmental mitigation measures to provide a more sustainable and reliable water supply. It also aims to reduce reliance on current sources, including vulnerable chalk stream habitats, while ensuring continued water availability for canal navigation.
The solution’s deployable output will be 50Ml/d by 2031/32, with the potential for a further 50 Ml/d by 2040-2050 if required. Flow will be transferred from Severn Trent’s new Advanced Water Treatment Plant at Minworth via a new pipeline over approximately 20km to a discharge point into the Coventry Canal. For much of its length, the transfer will flow along the existing canal network using gravity, making use of pumping stations and by-passes as necessary. The water will then be abstracted at Leighton Buzzard for treatment.
Diagram of Grand Union Canal Transfer
The Grand Union Canal Transfer, designated a project of national significance, will be delivered through Ofwat’s Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) programme, which aims to introduce competitive delivery models for water infrastructure.
Affinity Water plans to appoint a Competitively Appointed Provider (Cap) through a Design-Build-Finance (DBF), Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) or Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM) model, or variations thereof. The chosen Cap will be entrusted with the design, construction and financing of the scheme, with potential responsibilities for long-term operation and maintenance under a contract projected to run from 30 September 2028 until 30 June 2057.
The issuance of the market engagement notice is a request for information, seeking to draw on expertise from infrastructure investors, construction and engineering firms, operations and maintenance specialists, as well as joint ventures or consortia. Affinity Water’s goal is to gauge market capability, understand potential delivery models and associated risks, and identify innovations that could enhance project outcomes. The feedback will be used to inform the procurement strategy and refine the commercial, technical, and delivery framework.
Key considerations outlined in the consultation include technical feasibility, financial structuring, operational requirements, risk allocation, environmental and regulatory factors, and any potential barriers to market entry. Affinity Water emphasises an open, fair and transparent competitive process, aiming to secure a value-oriented solution consistent with the long-term national objectives for water resilience.
The Grand Union Canal Transfer project represents a critical infrastructure advancement, responding to growing water demand pressures in the Southeast while emphasising environmental stewardship. It highlights an innovative approach that integrates traditional waterway assets with modern engineering and financing practices to foster sustainability and resilience in the UK’s water sector.
As this early stage of the scheme’s development, stakeholders and market participants will have the opportunity to contribute insights that shape a transformative water transfer scheme intended to serve millions and protect vital natural habitats for decades to come.
Severn Trent’s Minworth SRO
Severn Trent has also engaged the market on development of its Minworth strategic resource option (SRO), which could tie into the Grand Union Canal Transfer.
The Minworth SRO will encompass the construction of an Advanced Water Treatment Plant on Severn Trent’s existing Minworth site and transfer via an underground pipeline to an outfall into the Coventry Canal at Atherstone.
The utility company is engaging the market on a £200M contract to construct the SRO.
The estimate contract dates for delivery are 1 December 2028 to 1 December 2030.
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16 July 20254 min readAffinity Water Starts Market Engagement For £510M Grand Union Canal Transfer Scheme
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16 July 2025
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Loveland, Colo., Issues Bonds For $122.5 Million Utility Infrastructure Overhaul(UI) — The City of Loveland is moving forward with a $122.5 million plan to upgrade its aging water, wastewater and electric infrastructure, funded through new tax-exempt bonds approved this year.
City officials said the multi-year infrastructure improvements are designed to ensure long-term reliability and resilience for Loveland’s utilities, while distributing the cost between current and future users.
By locking in fixed-interest financing, the city expects to avoid future inflationary spikes and reduce the risk of costly emergency repairs.
Water system upgrades
Loveland will invest $45 million to replace aging underground water mains, eliminate lead service lines, and modernize water operations facilities. The city said these updates are critical to maintaining the quality and reliability of local water service while reducing the risk of leaks and corrosion.
Wastewater improvements
The city plans to invest $77.5 million over multiple bonds from 2025 through 2027 to upgrade its Water Reclamation Facility. The work includes replacing aging equipment, expanding treatment capacity to accommodate population growth, and meeting new federal and state discharge standards to protect the Big Thompson River.
Electric grid modernization
Future bond funding will support Loveland’s electric infrastructure upgrades, including a new substation, system capacity improvements with additional transformers, and the conversion of overhead power lines to underground systems. The city says these projects will help protect the grid from weather-related disruptions and improve overall service reliability.
“These investments are critical to Loveland’s long-term resilience,” the city said in a statement. “Through secure, sustainable and reliable utility systems, we’re building a foundation for future generations.”
Underground Infrasturcture
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14 July 20252 min readLoveland, Colo., Issues Bonds For $122.5 Million Utility Infrastructure Overhaul
Underground Infrasturcture
14 July 2025
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