The company plans to build a 1.2m diameter pipeline between Prescot reservoir and Woodgate Hill Reservoir in Bury. It is estimated that the project will take two years to complete.

Some 15 separate tunnels will need to be built to cross obstacles including the M6, M61, M66, River Irwell and the West Coast Main Line. The company says it is currently in talks with more than 200 landowners about the scheme and hopes to begin work early next year.