County's water could keep taps on in drier areas

Anglian Water has shared how it plans to meet demand as drier weather takes effect

Water from Lincolnshire is set to be transported to drier parts of the country to keep the taps running in years to come, Anglian Water has said.

The utility company has set out how it plans to meet demand as drier weather and new environmental regulations take effect.

A new reservoir could be built near Sleaford and work is under way on a pipeline more than 200 miles (321km) long.

Anglian said it planned to share excess water from the county with other parts of its region, which stretches as far south as Essex and Buckinghamshire.

Earlier this year, the government warned that rapid population growth, "crumbling infrastructure" and a warming climate meant the UK could run out of drinking water by the middle of the next decade without improvements to infrastructure.

Under its Water Resources Management Plan, Anglian is looking at how to ensure water security until 2050.

It envisages using a strategic network to transport water from the wetter Midlands to southern parts that get less rain.

A 205-mile pipeline is being constructed between North Lincolnshire and Essex, with the entire network due to be completed by 2028.

Without changes, Lincolnshire could run short of water because of climate change and regulations to protect rivers, the water firm told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Two new reservoirs, including one near Sleaford, are being planned, with construction potentially starting in 2031.

If the infrastructure improvements were delayed, Anglian Water said it would take measures to avoid water shortages, for example by delaying cuts in how much groundwater it takes.

The utility firm also outlined a 25-year plan to manage water usage, including compulsory smart metering and reducing leaks.

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