Protecting tap water supplies in Wokingham

A new pipe which will protect Wokingham residents’ drinking water supply for decades to come is set to be installed by South East Water.

The company needs to install more than 900 metres of water main along Warren House Road and Keephatch Road, starting on 6 June 2022.

It will ensure customers’ drinking water is not impacted as the local population grows.

Jeremy Dufour, Project Manager, said: “Without this vital, £600,000 investment, customers will notice a drop in water pressure during everyday tasks like taking a shower of making a cup of tea.

“The new pipe will increase the capacity of our network in the area and allow us to make sure there is plenty of water for everyone.”

To protect the community, a series of road closures will be required throughout the project – which is expected to run until January 2023.

Work will begin along Warren House Road, at a point approximately 100 metres west of Ashridge Road.

South East Water will then work east along Warren House Road and Keephatch Road, to its junction with Campion Way. Pipe will then be installed within Binfield Road and Bean Oak Road.

The roads will be closed in sections, meaning the closure will move along with the construction works.

Temporary traffic lights will also be used at the roundabouts of Warren House Road and Keephatch Road and Keephatch Road and Campion Way.

Jeremy continued: “We decided to phase the project in this way so we can cause as little disruption as possible by doing certain sections within the school holiday period.

“We are sorry for any disruption the road closures may cause but please be assured clearly-signed diversion route will be in place where required.”

The project forms part of South East Water’s commitment to investing more than £430 million into improving the water network between 2020 and 2025.

For more information, visit: southeastwater.co.uk/wokingham