£2.1 million water network improvements underway in Chilham

South East Water’s £2.1 million project to improve drinking water supplies in Chilham, Shottenden and Old Wives Lees is well underway.

By installing new equipment and pipework in the local network, the resilience of the water supply system will be much improved, meaning customers’ supplies will be maintained for longer in the event of any future mains bursts or supply interruptions in the area.

The project is taking place in a number of local roads:

• Long Hill - 12 July to 20 August
• Mulberry Hill - 23 August to 10 September
• Soleshill Road - 13 September to 24 September
• Selling Road - 27 September to 22 October.

Douglas Whitefield, Operations Director at South East Water said: “We know there have been times when the local community has been without drinking water recently and are confident that the work we are doing will improve the reliability of their supply well into the future”

“Once complete we’ll be able to hold more water in the network during any future mains bursts or supply problems, which means we will be able to keep our customers’ taps running for longer while we work to resolve any problems.

“We know that roadworks can sometimes be disruptive and I’d like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work.”

As part of the project a new permanent generator is also being installed at a nearby water treatment works which will start automatically in the event of a power cut.

Douglas continued: “Once up and running, this new generator will mean we can continue pumping water to all customers in the area during any future mains power cuts to the site, without any interruptions to our supply.”

The water company expects to complete the projects in the autumn.

The work forms part of the company’s £433 million investment programme between 2020 and 2025.