The pipe runs underwater and also under roads, railways and rivers

The �25m project by two water companies is to safeguard water supplies in Hastings and Bexhill, East Sussex.

More than 2,000 pipes have been laid along the 17km route from Bewl Water on the Kent and Sussex border, to Darwell Reservoir in East Sussex.

The move by Southern Water and South East Water means water from north Kent can be transferred to the South Coast.

We can start transferring water between Bewl and Darwell reservoirs during the autumn when reservoir levels are typically at their lowest Meyrick Gough

Water is taken from the Medway area of Kent to Bewl Water by means of a pumping station and pipeline at Yalding, Kent.

The new pipeline between the two reservoirs runs underwater for 3km across Bewl Water, then across farmland and under roads, railways and rivers.

The Darwell Reservoir supplies areas along the south coast which can experience water shortages during drought.

Meyrick Gough, planning manager for Southern Water, said: "It means we can start transferring water between Bewl and Darwell reservoirs during the autumn when reservoir levels are typically at their lowest."

Work is continuing on a second section of pipe from the Darwell Reservoir to water supply works at Ninfield, East Sussex.

The official opening of the second Bewl to Darwell water transfer link is being held on Friday at Bewl Water Visitor Centre.