It has been a challenging time in recent years, with record-breaking weather being a contributing factor to several supply interruptions across Sussex.
We know this has been frustrating for South East Water customers in Haywards Heath and the surrounding areas, and we share these frustrations.
But we want to assure our customers that we have learned lessons from the supply interruptions experienced. We’re looking at how we can serve you better, including how we can re-route water across our network to keep everyone supplied.
Improving your local water network
We are investing to put things right and secure the supply of top-quality drinking water in Haywards Heath and the surrounding areas.
This includes several projects that have already been completed, together with further work to be carried out in the future.
Among these was the installation of new monitoring equipment in Bolney to help us to detect leaks and bursts on our network.
In recent years, we have also completed work on a vital project to lay 464 metres of new pipeline on Fox Hill (B2112), Haywards Heath.
This gave us the opportunity to meet with the then-MP for Mid Sussex, Mims Davies, together with local councillors, to explain the benefits of the vital project, to keep drinking water flowing into the community as the population grows.
Meanwhile, a £250,000 project was completed to replace approximately 1.2 kilometres of water main in Broadhurst Manor Road, Horsted Keynes, between 2022 and 2023.
A number of bursts and issues with low pressure had been experienced prior to this work being completed, but the new pipework will ensure there is sufficient pressure in the area, helping to secure the supply of drinking water to customers in this area.
These projects formed part of our £489 million investment programme over five years from 2020 to 2025, with further projects underway to improve resilience across our network in Sussex.
Further investment
Around £80 million is currently being invested across three substantial projects as part of wider improvements in Sussex, including significant upgrades to our Bewl Water Treatment Works to increase the amount of water that can be treated and pumped around the county.
In addition, around 35 kilometres of water mains are being installed to improve connectivity between key sites like Bewl and drinking water reservoirs across Sussex, helping to create a more resilient network across the county.
Generators have also been added at key sites including Powdermill, Hazards Green and Horsted Keynes and we have refurbished the boosters that push water up onto the high ground at Popeswood.
We also have an upcoming project to install around 385 metres of pipe in Turners Mill Road to boost resilience and strengthen our network in Haywards Heath and the surrounding areas.
This work will involve laying new sections of water mains over two phases and replacing smaller branches that feed into cul-de-sacs from the main road.
The £210,000 project is part of our ongoing commitment to improving water quality and reliability for the community, and is designed to prevent these issues from recurring.
Meanwhile, we have submitted our most ambitious business plan ever to the water regulator Ofwat, with proposals to spend £1.9 billion to ensure the security of our water supply and improve resilience across our network.
We are also working with farmers and landowners, including in parts of Haywards Heath and the surrounding areas, to help provide free advice as part of our Capital Grants Scheme.
Through this, anyone who manages land within one of our priority catchment areas, could be eligible to receive up to £25,000 for options that benefit water quality and resources.