Yorkshire Water has installed 100 kilometres of new water mains across the region in the first seven months of its five-year investment programme – a key step towards delivering a more resilient water supply network for customers.
In total, more than 1,000 kilometres of new mains will be laid as part of the company’s £406 million investment in Yorkshire’s water infrastructure. The upgraded network is designed to reduce leaks and bursts, strengthen reliability, and minimise supply interruptions.
In the first 12 months of the programme – which aims to complete more than 230 kilometres of new mains by April 2026 – work has been prioritised in areas with a history of frequent leaks and supply loss. Since April 2025, 60 projects have been initiated, with nearly 30 already completed and a further 15 due to begin before the end of the year.
Delivering regional resilience
Key completed projects include:
- 3.3 km of new main between Thirn and Thornton, North Yorkshire
- 2.9 km of new main in North Ferriby, East Riding of Yorkshire
- 2.2 km of new main in Grange Moor, West Yorkshire
- 1.5 km of new main in Jump, South Yorkshire
Jon Lemoine, Senior Project Manager at Yorkshire Water, said:
“We’ve made a fantastic start to our five-year mains replacement programme, laying 100 km of new mains in just seven months. Replacing water mains is a key part of our £8.3 billion investment over the next five years and will make a significant difference in reducing leaks and bursts across the region, improving the service we provide to customers.”
He added that while the focus has been on quick delivery, long-term planning remains a priority.
“We’ve already mapped projects for 2026 and 2027 and will continue to work closely with local authorities across Yorkshire to keep disruption to a minimum while this essential work takes place.”
The milestone marks an important part of Yorkshire Water’s wider commitment to modernise its water network, enhance sustainability, and meet ambitious leakage reduction targets for 2030.
