This critical piece of infrastructure will mark 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. Together, these challenges make the Anglian Water region particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including drought and flooding. 
 
While most of our water storage reservoirs reside underground, the Welby storage reservoir will sit above ground. 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 with the environment in mind, using recycled materials to reduce carbon emissions during construction. This helps us improve essential water infrastructure while limiting our impact on the environment. 
 
The build is being delivered by Anglian Water’s Strategic Pipeline Alliance, comprising leading partners Costain, Farrans, Jacobs, and Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB), to build a pipeline and supporting infrastructure that will provide much-needed water resilience in one of the driest parts of the UK. 
 
Customers’ water supplies will not be impacted by the construction. It’s expected to be finished by Autumn 2027. 
 
Aron Petney, Construction Manager at SPA, 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 networks are getting the biggest upgrade of their time. With a plan worth over £11billion, the water company is building for better for the community and environment to keep taps flowing and toilets flushing now and for generations to come. Further information is available on Anglian Water’s website: Building for better