PR1794

12th November 2007

New water mains Saffron Walden

Work to replace ageing water mains that are at risk of bursting is soon to begin in Maple Lane and Mill Road, Saffron Walden week commencing 19th November 2007 and will take six weeks to complete before work begins on a second scheme on Hempstead Road and Hill Road, also in Saffron Walden.

Three Valleys Water is investing £640,000 to upgrade the network of underground water mains which carry vital supplies of tap water each day to homes, businesses and schools in the Maple Lane and Hempstead Road areas Saffron Walden.

Most of the existing water mains were laid over 60 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 20 times and unless they are replaced, computer modelling has shown that there will be at least a further 22 bursts before 2010. By replacing targeted sections of the water mains network, Three Valleys Water hopes to reduce the inconvenience caused by burst mains and ensure that they can continue to supply tap water to local people.

The work starts on 19 th November for a period of six weeks and will affect Maple Lane and Mill Road. The second scheme which starts once the Maple Lane scheme has been completed will affect Hempstead Road, which will be closed throughout the work and Mill Road. Both schemes will be carried out by Enterprise PLC, Three Valleys Water’s contractor.

Andy Smith, Managing Director of Three Valleys Water, said: “This water mains renewal scheme in Saffron Walden 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 Essex 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 in advance of work in their street and throughout the scheme. Vulnerable and elderly customers are also being encouraged to notify the company of their special needs by registering on our Safeguard scheme 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 in the area 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.

From an old water main in need of replacement to a new water main that will deliver fresh drinking water for many years to come.

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