We're proposing a new pipeline to carry water from Grafham to Rede. The 70 kilometre pipeline will be delivered in two stages.  Transferring water from Anglian Water’s Ruthamford South (Grafham) Water Resource Zone (WRZ) to Cambridge Water.  Then on to the Suffolk and West Cambridgeshire (Rede) WRZ. 

In order to meet the immediate critical need for water into Cambridge, Anglian Water are working in partnership with Cambridge Water.  Delivering the first section of the project between Grafham and Cambridge (the Grafham to Cambridge pipeline scheme).  This will include a spur pipeline in to Cambridge to supply water into the Madingley service reservoir.

The second section (the Cambridge to Rede pipeline scheme) will be delivered separately by Anglian Water.

Update on project

We've identified a preferred route for the pipeline.  We've also submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Report to the Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) crossed by the route; Huntingdonshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council. The EIA Scoping Report provides information about the proposed scheme.  Setting out the scope and methodology for the environmental assessments we plan to carry out to support the planning application, so that the LPAs can provide their Scoping Opinion.

Environmental surveys, ground investigation and engineering work are ongoing and will feed into the final route.  We intend to submit a planning application in 2026. We always endeavour to minimise our impact on communities and the environment.  Working with local communities to deliver a legacy along the route.

Public information events 

Our public information events have now closed. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to attend, share their views and learn more about the Grafham to Cambridge pipeline scheme.

Public consultation was open between Monday 27th October and Sunday 20th December 2025. We hosted face-to-face events on Saturday 8th November at Bar Hill Village Hall and on Wednesday 3 December at St Neots Golf Club. We also hosted an online webinar on Thursday 27 November 2025.

You can still view our consultation document library to find out more about the project, and we will continue to welcome feedback throughout the development of the scheme, which can be submitted by email through our designated inbox. We also welcome the opportunity to speak with Parish Councils, community groups and residents to discuss any questions or concerns they may have.

Get in touch 

If you would like to contact us about the Grafham to Cambridge section of the project, please email: strategicpipelines@anglianwater.co.uk.

Our impact

We always endeavour to minimise our impact on communities and the environment.  Working with local communities to deliver a legacy along the route.