Water improvement schemes to start in autumn

3 hours ago

News image — It is hoped the work will improve drinking water supplies and reduce the risk of leaks

Reuters Aerial view of a section of Whitehaven town. There are rows of residential houses that have large green gardens. In the distance there is the coastline and a large patch of saturated green land. — It is hoped the work will improve drinking water supplies and reduce the risk of leaks

Two major schemes to improve a town's water networks are due to start.

United Utilities said works on a 900m (2,952ft) section of pipeline that carries wastewater from West Strand Pumping Station to Whitehaven Treatment Works would start in the autumn and last for three months.

A second scheme involving1.5km (0.9miles) of mains upgrading in the town centre is due to start in the new year.

The water company said the schemes were not connected to the orange water at the harbour which has been a problem since late 2022.

The wastewater improvements aim to reduce the risk of bursts and disruption, while the mains repairs should enhance the resilience of drinking water supplies, the firm said.

It also said residents in the affected area would be contacted ahead of work beginning.

Whitehaven Harbour where the water is an orange/brown colour. Sailing boats are moored in the harbour. In the distance there is a small hill with houses. The sky is blue with a few clouds. — United Utilities said the projects were not connected to the harbour's orange water issue

United Utilities said it would host a drop-in event on 7 September from 14:00 to 19:00 BST at the Beacon Portal on West Strand.

"Visitors will have the opportunity to meet members of the project team, learn more about the proposals and ask questions about the planned works," it said.

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