Thames Water is in the final stages of its project to safeguard Swindon’s future water supply. The project, costing £45 million, features a new 13.7km pipeline connecting Faringdon and Blunsdon.
The construction of the Faringdon to Blunsdon pipeline began in May 2021 and is set to be operational this spring, with the entire project wrapping up in August 2024. This new pipeline will enhance resilience and greatly reduce leaks in an area prone to bursts.
Thames Water, along with partners Kier, is inviting customers, communities, and stakeholders to learn more at Highworth Community Centre on Tuesday, February 20, from 10 am to 12.30 pm. Representatives will be available to address queries about the upgrades.
Chris Reeves, Head of Programme Delivery at Thames Water, stated, “Our responsibility is to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for all customers. The new water transfer pipe will enhance resilience in Swindon, guaranteeing a continuous water supply for future generations.
“The pipeline will also have environmental benefits, reducing dependence on groundwater sources like chalk streams and the River Kennet during periods of high demand and drought.”
Andy Muncer, Project Director at Kier, expressed pride in contributing expertise to this essential project for Swindon. The project, involving innovative approaches, aims to deliver high-quality results efficiently while safeguarding the local environment.
Several initiatives in the local area have been launched by Kier, such as volunteering days at Pennyhooks Farm Trust, in line with the commitment to benefit the communities where they operate.
Throughout the project, archaeological investigations were conducted with Wessex Archaeology providing guidance.
Thames Water adjusted routes to avoid areas of high archaeological significance to minimize disturbance to archaeological remains during construction.
Before construction began, a few artifacts and archaeological evidence were unearthed, notably including remains of Iron Age roundhouses and Anglo-Saxon burials.
Bianca San Martin, Fieldwork Manager at Wessex Archaeology, mentioned, “Collaborating with Thames Water and Kier on these crucial pipe upgrades not only ensured smooth operations but also led to the discovery of various significant archaeological finds, ranging from prehistoric roundhouses to Anglo-Saxon burials.”
Source : Thames Water
