Construction begins on 20 million‑litre storage reservoir in Lincolnshire linked to Anglian Water pipeline
Construction has begun on a 20‑million‑litre water storage tank near Sleaford seeking to bolster future water supply resilience.
Anglian Water has begun laying the foundations for the water storage facility at Welby, between Sleaford and Grantham, and forming part of one of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects to serve customers for generations.
This critical piece of infrastructure is a major milestone in the building of Anglian Water’s Strategic Pipeline, stretching hundreds of kilometres from North Lincolnshire to Essex. It will transfer up to 55 million litres of water a day between Lincoln and Grantham, moving water to where it’s needed most with a new pumping station and generator, supporting growing communities and improving resilience in the face of climate change.
The East of England is one of the driest regions in the country, with only two-thirds of England’s average rainfall. It is also one of the fastest growing, with potential population growth of one million people by 2045, making the region particularly vulnerable to climate change.
While most water storage reservoirs are underground, the Welby storage reservoir will sit above ground, explains Anglian Water. It will be a large, purpose‑built structure designed to safely store water and support a reliable supply for customers. The reservoir has been designed to use recycled materials to reduce carbon emissions during construction.
The build is being delivered by Anglian Water’s Strategic Pipeline Alliance partners Costain, Farrans, Jacobs, and Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB).
Customers are being assured that water supplies will not be impacted by the construction, which is expected to be finished by Autumn 2027.
Aron Petney, Construction Manager of the Strategic Pipeline Alliance, said: “This new 20‑million‑litre water storage tank at Welby is about making sure we’re ready for the future. It will help us store water and move it around the region more easily, so we can keep supplies running during dry periods and support growing communities across Lincolnshire and beyond.
“We’re also focused on building it in a smart and sustainable way, using lower-carbon materials and a proven design. That means we can create something that lasts while limiting its impact on the environment.”
Anglian Water’s resilience and infrastructure plans are worth over £11billion, to keep taps flowing and toilets flushing for generations to come.