Marks Tey water pipes to be replaced by Anglian Water

Frequent bursts resulting in low water pressure or supply interruptions are feared as pipage in Godmans Lane has reached the end of its useful life.

Anglian Water says it hopes to prevent disruption for customers while conserving precious water resources, with work set to begin on Monday.

It is forecasted the project will be complete by March next year, with temporary traffic lights in place and a footpath in Godmans Lane and Ashbury Drive closed.

Access will be maintained for impacted properties and bus companies will operate temporary bus stops to minimise disruption.

The water provider explained it will use “no dig” slip-lining technology to install new pipes underground, meaning there is no need for engineers to dig open trenches.

Once the new pipes are installed, they will be connected to the existing water network and to properties.

Works - Godmans Lane (Image: Newsquest)

Becky Housden, customer experience coordinator for the project, said: “Colchester lies in the driest region in the UK and is particularly vulnerable to climate change.

“This means this work to upgrade the water network is essential to secure a resilient water supply for local residents.”

This summer proved to be the east of England’s driest since 1976.

Within the first eight months of 2022, the region has just 74 per cent of its average rainfall.

“That’s why it’s really important we carry out this work to upgrade Marks Tey’s water network now, to ensure we can keep taps flowing and toilets flushing for years to come,” added Ms Housden.

The announcement follows Anglian Water revealing it is investing £400 million into laying hundreds of kilometres of new, interconnecting pipes.

The system will bring water from the wettest areas in the north of the region to the driest areas in the south and east, including Essex, by 2025.

The firm also revealed it is using drones at Ardleigh Reservoir to spot leaks as part of a pioneering initiative to combat lost water.