£4m project to upgrade water mains between Oughterby and Wigton gets underway

A £4m project to upgrade 11km of water mains between Oughterby and Wigton is underway.

Replacing mains with more durable, flexible pipework will improve the resilience and reliability of the drinking water network in the area. The replacement mains are built to withstand high pressure and temperature variations which will protect against bursts and reduce leaks.

It is the second project being delivered in the Cumberland Council area with work to upgrade a kilometre of water mains also taking place in Dalston. Another project in Kirkby Stephen is set to get underway in October. They are being delivered as part of United Utilities, £380m program to upgrade more than 925km of mains across the North West during the next five years.

The five-month project will be carried out in sections starting in Oughterby, through Wiggonby and Thursby before completing in Wigton.

Paul Forshaw, United Utilities’ County Business lead for Water in Cumbria explained: “These projects will play an important role in making our water network more robust and help us deliver a reliable water supply to customers for decades to come.

“We know this type of work can be disruptive and we are doing all we can to keep that to a minimum.”

United Utilities contacts customers in the area to let them know about the works. They are also reminding customers that all United Utilities’ employees and contract partners carry ID cards and will be happy to have their identity checked. If in doubt, customers should call 0345 672 3723.

More information is available online at www.unitedutilities.com/new-water-pipes