Water transfers
We’re developing new pipelines to share water supplies between neighbouring water companies and across our own network to areas where it's needed.
Why do we need water transfers?
The South East of England is classed as being seriously water-stressed, which means there’s less water available for public supplies than the environment can provide. This means we must act now to make sure there’s a secure supply of water for years to come.
Our Water Resources Management Plan sets out our proposals for significant investment to develop new water resources between now and 2075. Water transfers are just one of the solutions we’re exploring to address water shortage across our region. Others include water recycling, reducing leakage and improving water efficiency.
What are water transfers?
A water transfer is when water companies share supplies across their networks either within a region, or between regions. They are widely used and involve dedicated pipelines, pumping stations and other equipment.
We already operate several water transfers with our neighbouring companies. They are a simple and efficient way of ensuring available water can be directed to where it’s needed.
There’s often talk of developing a national water grid – but the number of inter-company transfers across the country means that one already exists. The new inter-company and inter-regional transfers currently being considered will increase the connectivity of this grid to allow greater flexibility in how water can be shared around the country.
