PR1814

22nd February 2008

New water mains in Watton at Stone

Work to replace ageing water mains that are at risk of bursting is due to begin in the Perrywood Lane area of Watton at Stone from 28 th February and is due for completion by mid April (approximately five weeks).

Three Valleys Water is investing £250,000 to upgrade the network of underground water mains which carry vital supplies of tap water each day to residents and businesses in this area.

Most of the existing water mains were laid up to 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 15 times.

By replacing 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, which is being carried out on behalf of Three Valleys Water by their contractor, Enterprise Plc, and will affect parts of the following streets: Perrywood Road and Church Lane.

Andy Smith, Managing Director of Three Valleys Water, said: “This water mains renewal scheme in Watton at Stone 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 Hertfordshire 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.

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.