PR1763

4th October 2007

New water mains for Sheerwater

Three Valleys Water is investing £405,000 to upgrade 2.5kms of the network of underground water mains which carry vital supplies of water each day to residents, businesses and schools in and around the Sheerwater area of Woking.

Some of these existing water mains were laid 70 years ago and although they have given many years of service they are reaching the end of their useful lives. The majority of these pipes are cast iron and some sections have corroded and begun to weaken, which has made them vulnerable to leaks and bursts. Between 1999 and 2004 the sections of pipes identified for replacement in this area burst 14 times and unless they are replaced, computer modelling has shown that there will be at least a further 4 bursts before 2010.

By replacing targeted sections of the water mains network, Three Valleys Water hopes to prevent further bursts in this area and aims to ensure that the tap water supplied to local people will be of the highest quality for many years to come.

The work, which is being carried out on behalf of Three Valleys Water by their contractor, Balfour Beatty, starts on 8 October 2007 and is due to be completed by February 2008.

Work will be taking place in the following roads: Drive, Devonshire Avenue, Lambourne Crescent, St Michael’s Road
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Andy Smith, Managing Director of Three Valleys Water, said: “This water mains renewal scheme in Woking is part of a much larger investment programme to maintain and renew our underground pipe network to provide a reliable water supply to our customers. Without this investment the mains would continue to deteriorate, causing bursts, leaks and disruption to the local community. We are working closely with the Surrey County Council Highways Authority to try to keep traffic disruption to a minimum.”

All residents affected by this scheme will be contacted by Three Valleys Water to keep them informed about the work. Vulnerable and elderly customers are also being encouraged to notify the company of their special needs by registering on the Safeguard register by applying online or contacting the call centre on 0845 782 3333. Residents and road users will be notified of any traffic management arrangements in due course.

Three Valleys Water would like to remind customers to be aware of Bogus Callers claiming to be from the water company during this time. The company operates strict rules about employees wearing clearly recognisable uniforms and presenting identity cards when they call.

In addition, Three Valleys Water recommends a few practical measures that people can take to protect themselves and their property. These are:

• Think before you open the door
• Get a security door chain and a spy hole fitted, and always remember to use them
• Ask the caller for proof of identity and check it carefully
• If the caller doesn’t have an appointment, ask them to wait outside while you phone Three Valleys Water on 0845 782 3333 to confirm their identity – genuine callers will not mind waiting
• Scrutinise the uniform and vehicle. Three Valleys Water staff wear uniforms bearing the company’s logo and will show an identity card
• If you have any suspicions, do not let the caller in. Trust your instincts. If you have any doubt, dial 999.

Ends

For further information please contact Public Relations tel: 01707 277110, fax: 01707 277213, website: www.3valleys.co.uk

Note to Editors:

About us
Three Valleys Water has been supplying water to the local community for more than 130 years and is committed to delivering a high quality water service to all its customers . It now provides over 870 million litres of water each day to three million customers, in parts of Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Surrey, the London Boroughs of Harrow and Hillingdon and parts of the London Boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Ealing, and Enfield. The supply area covers a total of 3,700 square kilometres, stretching from Luton and Royston in the north to Guildford in the south, and from Berkhamsted in the west to Dunmow in the east.

Three Valleys Water is the UK’s largest water supply only company and is part of Veolia Water, the world leader in water and wastewater management. If you spot a leak call the Leakspotters hotline on 0800 376 5325 or use our online leakage form