PR1823

11th February 2008

Water mains renewals in Meriden, Watford

Three Valleys Water is investing £1.2m to upgrade nearly 8kms of the underground water mains network which carry vital supplies of water each day to residents in the Meriden area of Watford.

Some of these existing water mains were laid 70 years ago and between 1999 and 2004 the sections of pipes identified for replacement in this area burst 40 times.

This improvement scheme will ensure that customers can continue to be supplied with a reliable source of clean, fresh tap water for years to come.

The work, which is being carried out on behalf of Three Valleys Water by their contractor, Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions, and sub-contractor M & A Doocey is due to start later this month and subject to no major complications will be completed in December 2008.

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 also 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 and its contractors should not need to gain access to individual properties while this work is taking place. The best advice is not to allow entry to anyone who claims to be working for the water company.

If in any doubt contact Three Valleys Water on 0845 782 3333, or our contractors on 0870 700 0150.

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 – if you feel unsure do not 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 (you can ask them to pop it through your letter box – if they are genuine they will be happy to do so).
• If you have any suspicions, do not let the caller in. Trust your instincts. If you have any doubt, dial 999.

Roads affected

Work will be taking place in the following roads: Amwell Close, Butterwick, Eastlea Avenue,Gadswell Close, Garsmouth Way, Harvest End, Kelshall, Leander Gardens, Mallard Way, Meriden Way, The Gossamers, The Pelhams, The Turnstones, Ivinghoe Close, Westlea Avenue, Widgeon Way and York Way.

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.