A 21st-century solution to a growing water challenge. Water is something many of us take for granted, but behind every turn of the tap is a carefully managed supply system that’s facing increasing pressure. The South East of England is one of the most water-stressed regions in the country, and the challenges are mounting.
As the population grows and demand for water rises, climate change is making rainfall less predictable and more extreme. At the same time, we must protect sensitive ecosystems, which include our rare and beautiful chalk streams that are unique to our region and are especially vulnerable when water levels drop.
That’s why we’re planning ahead and investing in our supply. One of the most exciting and innovative projects in development is the Grand Union Canal Transfer. This is a bold new way to move water from the Midlands to the South East, using one of the country’s oldest and most iconic transport routes.
The idea is simple but powerful: to use a section of the historic Grand Union Canal to help transfer treated, recycled water between regions. This will bring water where it’s needed most, helping to ease future shortages and reduce pressure on precious local water sources. It’s a modern use for a centuries-old waterway, breathing new life into a national asset.
Once complete, the scheme will deliver up to 115 million litres of water a day to customers in our supply area, this is enough to supply hundreds of thousands of homes.
We’re not doing this alone. This is a collaborative project between Affinity Water, Severn Trent, and the Canal & River Trust that is combining our knowledge, innovation and resources to create a smarter, more sustainable water system for the future.
Planning such a large and complex infrastructure project takes time and care. We’re currently progressing through the early stages, carrying out extensive environmental and site surveys to understand how best to deliver the scheme while protecting nature, people, and heritage along the way.
We’re engaged with community throughout and their input is also a vital part of the process. In September and October 2024, we ran a major public consultation along the proposed route. More than 780 people attended our events and we received 475 formal responses — helping us understand local views, listen to concerns, and identify opportunities to add value to communities as the project develops.
We’re grateful to everyone who has shared their feedback so far. These community insights are helping to shape a project that doesn’t just solve regional water resilience, it does so in a way that works for people, places, and the planet.
The Grand Union Canal Transfer is classed as a nationally significant infrastructure project and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2032.
It’s an investment in our water future, using the past to help secure tomorrow. Find out more and stay updated at: www.guctransfer.co.uk