New water mains in Welwyn Garden City

Work to replace ageing water mains that are at risk of bursting is soon to begin in the Howlands area of Welwyn Garden City.

Three Valleys Water is investing £890,000 to upgrade the network of underground water mains which carry vital supplies of tap water each day to homes, businesses and schools in this area of Welwyn Garden City.  The work starts on 21 July 2008 and is due to be completed by Spring 2009.

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. 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, which is being carried out on behalf of Three Valleys Water by their contractor, Enterprise will affect parts of the following streets: Boundary Lane, Camfield, Howlands, Katescroft, Lady Grove, Linkfield, Mount Way, Mountway Close, Pinnate Place, Ryelands, South Ley, The Croft, The Wade, Walnut Court, Walnut Grove, Homerfield

Andy Smith, Managing Director of Three Valleys Water, said: “This water mains renewal scheme in Welwyn Garden City 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.

Further information is available on the Three Valleys Water website at www.3valleys.co.uk