Securing the Future of Water Supply with the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP)
The Haweswater Aqueduct, owned and operated by United Utilities, is the UK’s largest potable water pipeline, supplying up to 570 million litres of treated water daily to 2.5 million residents in Greater Manchester, Cumbria, and Lancashire.
Built nearly 70 years ago, the aqueduct is a major engineering feat that uses gravity to deliver 570 million litres of water daily, equivalent to almost 250 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This refurbishment is part of a wider strategy to upgrade the region’s water infrastructure and marks the start of one of the UK’s largest water infrastructure programmes.
Societe Generale acted as Mandated Lead Arranger & Hedging Provider in the financing of the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme (HARP).
With construction set to begin in 2026, the estimated £3 billion project will be delivered by Cascade Infrastructure, backed by a consortium — STRABAG, Equitix, and GLIL Infrastructure — experienced in European tunnelling schemes and infrastructure projects. The work will involve replacing six tunnel sections using advanced underground techniques.
Beyond securing future water supplies, it will bring major economic benefits, including the creation of around 1,200 jobs at its peak and an apprentice recruitment drive to develop regional skills.
This is a milestone for the UK’s water infrastructure and demonstrates Societe Generale’s deep understanding of the sector, as well as its commitment to supporting essential, sustainable infrastructure projects. The programme is the first in the water sector to be delivered through a Direct Procurement for Customers model to provide best value for customers. It covers the design, construction, maintenance and financing of the scheme.
We are proud to support the Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme, a vital project that will secure the long-term water supply for millions of people in Northwest England. This landmark transaction demonstrates our commitment to investing in essential, sustainable infrastructure that delivers long term value.
Making the North West stronger, greener and healthier is at the heart of everything we do. Today marks a significant step to ensure we have the right infrastructure to provide a resilient water supply to communities right across the region for decades to come and, at the same time, creating hundreds of great quality jobs and delivering on the commitments and promises we have set out.
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