Transferring the water to Abberton
Water is currently brought from Norfolk to Abberton and Hanningfield reservoirs through a number of large pipelines and by using rivers.
In order to transfer additional water to Abberton Reservoir, the existing transfer system needs to be improved.
A large number of different options was considered. The preferred option was selected on environmental, engineering and economic grounds and will involve a system of pipeline and river transfers.
We plan to lay two underground pipelines, one from Kirtling Green in Suffolk to Wixoe on the Essex/Suffolk border where the additional water will be put into the River Stour. An additional pumping station will be provided near Wormingford, Essex, where water will be abstracted from the River Stour and transferred via a second new pipeline to Abberton Reservoir. Each pipeline will be 1200mm diameter and approximately 16km long.
Kirtling Green to Wixhoe Pipeline Route
Wormingford to Abberton Reservoir Pipeline Route
The existing Ely Ouse Essex Transfer Scheme (EOETS) does not have the pumping capacity to transfer the existing maximum licensed daily quantity of 455Ml/d. Therefore additional pumping capacity will be provided at Kennett Pumping Station to allow more water to be transferred.
The possible effects of enhancing the transfer system on the River Stour and pipeline routes have been thoroughly investigated by consultants working for Essex & Suffolk Water. The results of this investigation can be found in the Environmental Statement, which can be downloaded from this website.