Summary of Pipe dream: Ministers block Boris Johnson-inspired bid to export Scots water to England
It’s been predicted by the England Environmental Agency that the southern half of the UK would run out of water in less than 30 years. Continued climate changes and rapid population growth meant that people should cut their water use, leaking pipes much be repaired and huge reservoirs must be built to quench its thirst in England. In 2014, an idea that would provide the answer to the UK water issue came after Mr. Johnson championed it. He proposed that solving this water shortage requires building a vast canal between UK and Scotland. This proposal decided by one of the world biggest design firm – Aecom, and estimated to cost £14 billion waterway will stretch from the Scottish Borders down to Newcastle and Leeds, making its way along the west coast of England and taking in more water along the way, finally delivering to homes and businesses. The Scottish government expressed support for the concept of creating a canal to alleviate the water shortage at the time. But the minister now has made it clear that plans are now pie in the sky.
While Scotland has sufficient water supplies in comparison to other nations, it is stated that there are no plans to continue the project owing to population growth, climate concerns, and financial viability. Instead, Scotland’s government has pledged to become a Hydro nation, assisting other countries by sharing knowledge in water administration and water management technology.
While in England, water scarcity is a major problem that must be addressed, with many industries and businesses promising to reduce leakage by 50% by 2050. Some experts have expressed concerns that it may be late. The Environment Agency of England had planned to build new reservoirs to provide a sufficient supply, while others think that alternative solutions are required and needed.
The Grand Contour Canal
Mr. Johnson suggested a canal could be built along a natural ‘contour’ down the spine of England, and this idea is inspired by the Grand Contour canal first proposed in 1943 intended to upgrade the British canal system. It was designed to build a large European sized canal contains no lock except entry and exist, it would serve water around England as needed. This Grand Contour Canal was also known as “The Three-hundred-foot Canal” because of its 310-foot elevation above sea level (94 m). It was supposed to be 100 feet which is nearly 30 feet broad by 17 feet deep, with a ceiling of 25 feet.