Work on a multi-million-pound project to lay a new pipeline in Chester to ensure a secure water network for the city, and for future generations to come is set to begin at the end of January.

Severn Trent is investing more than £16 million to make sure that the city continues to receive a reliable and sustainable water supply.

In what is one of the biggest investments the company has made in the city, a brand-new water pipe will be installed from Boughton Water Treatment works to Huntington Water Treatment Works.

Works will start on Monday, January 29th and will see the water company working in collaboration with BT and Cadent to make sure all work is done as effectively as possible. BT and Cadent will be on site for a number of weeks and are expected to be finished by Thursday, March 7th.

Severn Trent’s work will start in the Jubilee Playing Fields on Monday, February 19 with road works beginning on Friday, March 1st, with short single lane closure on Christleton Road, progressing onto Sandy Lane from Monday, March 11th with road closures in place once again, which will be done in sections.

To complete work as quickly as possible we’ll be working longer days during the week and also over the weekends and the scheme is expected to be completed during December 2024.  

James Jesic, Capital Delivery and Commercial Director at Severn Trent said: “Investing in this project is vital in making sure we’re able to help keep the water flowing for all our Chester customers now and for generations to come, and the work we are doing to install the new pipe will help us do that.

“We are working in collaboration with other companies to ensure that all work is done at the same time to minimise the impact on residents and visitors to the city and get everything done as quickly as possible.

“We understand that long term road closures can cause disruption, but the installation of this pipeline is essential to make sure water keeps flowing for residents of the city and will be a huge benefit to all. We will work hard to make sure that we deliver this project as quickly as possible.”

Severn Trent customers in Chester receive a water-only service from the company, with around 100,000 customers in the city and 46,000 households.   

The water treatment works at Boughton, on the outskirts of Chester has been treating water from the River Dee and providing drinking water for the people of Chester for more than 160 years.    

James added: “Our teams have been speaking with the local community and businesses about our plans and where we’ll be working, and we have specialist support for businesses in the areas we’re working. Businesses that need help can get in touch with us by emailing our Business Loss Team on businessloss@severntrent.co.uk for further advice.

“We understand that there has been some concern around the closure, and we’re listening to the community and can assure everyone we’re doing this with as little impact as possible that allows us to safely do the work.”

For further information or to be kept updated on the works as they take place visit https://www.stwater.co.uk/in-my-area/planned-improvements/ 

A private Facebook group for residents of this scheme to get updates and ask questions on the work has also been set up and can be found at http://tinyurl.com/STChester.