Thames to replace sewage pipe after multiple bursts

Thames Water has commenced a £16 million pipe replacement project in Swindon, Wiltshire, following multiple incidents of bursts in recent times.

The project will involve replacing the entirety of the 3km Haydon End Rising Main, which will follow a new route to prevent future bursts and ensure a more resilient network.

Haydon End sewage pumping station and Rising Main were built in 1995/96 to transfer sewage to the inlet works at the western end of Swindon sewage treatment works.

Since its construction, both the area and population the pipe serves have grown significantly and in the last two years, there have been several bursts “with increasing frequency”.

Thames further explained that the full-length replacement of the pipe is required due to the scattered nature of the bursts.

Earlier this year a local newspaper reported that a week of disruption was expected “following the latest in a series of sewage leaks”.

The Swindon Advertiser said in March that “Thames Water tankers have become a familiar sight in North Swindon” and had been spotted again after the Haydon End sewage pumping station experienced another leak, contaminating a nearby river.

The project to replace the pipe is scheduled to be completed by July 2024.

Andrew Scott, head of waste treatment for the Thames Valley Region at Thames Water, said: “We’re excited to start work to replace the Haydon End Rising Main. We recognise the disruption recent bursts from this pipe have caused and the impact it has had on customers.

“That’s why we brought forward our plans to start this £16 million project now so we can ensure our network in the area is resilient to the pressures of climate change and population growth and we can provide a reliable service to our customers.”