Innovative construction method draws closer

An innovative engineering solution is being used by drinking water supplier South East Water during the final stages of a multimillion pound scheme to install 11 kilometres of pipe between Fleet and Odiham in Hampshire.

This ground-breaking pilot will see more than a kilometre of pipe pulled beneath a golf course. This method was chosen as an alternative to laying pipe through the road network saving five months of additional disruption to the local community and motorists.

A large drilling rig, based in Cove Road, Fleet, will drill a hole beneath part of the golf course before pulling the pipe – which is currently situated in Elvetham Heath – back through.

This vital project, which started in June 2021, will prevent customers in the area from experiencing water pressure issues or no water as the community grows.

Chris Love, South East Water Delivery Manager, said: “We know this work has generated some noise disruption but please be assured we are doing everything we can to keep noise to an absolute minimum having installed acoustic barriers where possible."

"Pulling the pipe through the golf course will be a complex task and needs to be done in one fluid motion, meaning we will have teams working continuously over a 24-hour period.

"We are in the process of writing to impacted residents to let them know about any additional noise disruption this may involve.”

South East Water appreciates the support received from the local community so far as the project enters its final stage.

The company is concerned however by a handful of comments being aimed directly at its workforce and although they are rare, all threats to staff, pipework and property will be taken incredibly seriously and any such issues will be reported to the police.