You might have spotted some of Selwood’s team on TV recently, filmed playing their part in one of the biggest water infrastructure projects in the country.
Viewers of Sewermen on Channel 5 saw Selwood pumps being switched on to get water flowing into a newly-built reservoir in the Lake District, Cumbria. The 50-megalitre facility was filled up over three months to test for any cracks or leaking. Having passed all tests, it will be placed underground to preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
The reservoir is part of a much larger project by United Utilities in which Selwood’s pumping solutions specialists, led by our team in Workington, are playing a major role. The scheme involves the installation of a £300m, 62-mile pipeline to connect Thirlmere Reservoir to West Cumbria to safeguard drinking water and protect wildlife.
The work is needed because Ennerdale reservoir – which currently supplies drinking water to thousands of homes and businesses in West Cumbria – will have its abstraction licence withdrawn by the Environment Agency in 2022.
The six-year project will also involve a new water treatment works at Williamsgate, two underground service reservoirs – including the one featured on Channel 5 – and a new pumping station.
You can see Sewermen on Thursday nights on Channel 5 – and on catchup TV. (we’re switching the pumps on at around the 28 minute mark!).