Increasing water supply to Farnham

Residents of Farnham, Surrey, are set to benefit from a £1.3 million scheme to protect future tap water supplies.

South East Water needs to install more than two kilometres of pipe within West Street, private land and the A31 Alton Road.

The vital project is planned to begin on 9 January 2023 and will take approximately six months to complete.

Customers can attend a drop-in session at Farnham Memorial Hall on 8 December to learn more about the upcoming works.

Jeremy Dufour, Project Manager, said: “We know the population in the area is due to increase so it’s important we install this new pipe to ensure customers have a steady supply of top-quality drinking water.

“We are very sorry for any disruption this vital scheme may cause but we’ll be working closely with residents and businesses in the area to minimise the impact as much as possible.”

The project will be split into three phrases. The first phase, which will take place between 9 January and late April, will see pipe installed along West Street, from a point close to Old Town Mews, towards A31 Alton Road.

A rolling road closure will be in place to protect motorists and pedestrians from the working area.

Once work approaches Cox Bridge Farm the pipe will be diverted through private land towards Runwick Lane. This will be the second phase of the project and will run between late April and mid-June.

The third and final phase will involve the pipe crossing the Farnham-bound lane on A31 Alton Road. Runwick Lane will be closed for three weeks while a series of lane closures will be in place along A31 Alton Road.

Jeremy continued: “We know this is an exceptionally busy area for cars and a key route in to Farnham.

“West Street will be closed in short sections, meaning the closure will follow the pipe as it is installed.

“Road closures are always a last resort but due to other utilities, the pipe needs to be laid close to the centre of the road, meaning temporary traffic lights are not suitable.

“This project is very much short-term pain for long-term gain and we will be working very closely with both Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council to minimise impact to residents, motorists and businesses.”

To find out more about the project and the upcoming drop-in session, visit southeastwater.co.uk/farnham

This project forms part of the company’s £433 investment into improving its water network between 2020 and 2025.