Copeland residents invited to water supply drop-in sessions

The blend of hard and soft water lead to water 'popping' in kettles Credit: PA

Residents in Copeland are being invited to drop-in sessions to find out more about recent changes to the local water supply.

United Utilities have changed the water supply by blending hard water from new boreholes in Egremont with soft water from Ennerdale Lake.

ITV Border has heard claims from local families suffering from upset stomachs and rashes, apparently since the water supply change.

The drop-in sessions will be on:

  • Wednesday 12 July, 1pm-8pm at Egremont Methodist Church, Main Street, Egremont, CA22 2DR

  • Thursday 13 July, 1pm-8pm at The Beacon Portal, West Strand, Whitehaven, CA28 7LY

United Utilities say the change in water supply is as a a result of the Environment Agency limiting the amount of water that can be taken from Ennerdale, in order to protect rare freshwater mussels in the River Ehen.

They say after 2022, the Ennerdale supply will have to be stopped entirely, hence United Utilities building a new pipeline to supply West Cumbria, costing £300 million, with soft water from Thirlmere instead.

In the meantime, hard water from Egremont boreholes are being used until then.