Project to upgrade water mains set to start

09/12/2007

A £300,000 project to upgrade 3km of essential water mains in a Teesside town looks set to start next month.

Residents in Yarm are being invited to find out more about the work, which Northumbrian Water says will improve the water quality supplied to more than 1,000 homes.

The work, which will start on January 7 and last up to five months, will also reduce leakage and safeguard the water supply for future generations.

advertisementHomes off the High Street, The Spital and Leven Road could be affected by the repairs, with water supplies being cut off for up to 15 hours at a time.

Dave Ingle, Northumbrian Water's project manager, said: "This work to upgrade the water mains network is essential, parts of the network are at least 80-years-old.

"Plastic pipe will replace the existing cast iron main, which is more durable with a longer life expectancy - a new pipe has a life expectancy of 100 years, and an existing relined pipe has a 70 year life expectancy."

In a leaflet issued to residents, it states: Contractors working for Northumbrian Water will gradually work through the area of Yarm renewing or relining the old iron pipes.

"Some of the pipes have furred up and, although not harmful to health, this can restrict the flow and reduce the volume and pressure of water in the pipes.

"Old pipes can also lead to harmless discoloured water when sediment is disturbed."

Northumbrian Water hopes to carry out improvements in nearby towns and villages in the future, however plans are yet to be drawn up.

Customers wishing to find out more information and ask questions about the scheme can attend a drop-in session at Yarm Methodist Church Hall, Chapel Yard, on December 13 from 11am until 7pm.

Alternatively people can ring Northumbrian Water's customer centre on 0845 717 1100.

Customers are also advised that workmen are unlikely to need access to homes while the work is being carried out.

To help prevent problems from bogus callers, customers can register for a password by visiting www.nwl.co.uk. If anyone from the water company needs to access a registered customer's home they will know the password.

4:00am Sunday 9th December 2007

The Northern Echo - www.thenorthernecho.co.uk