Work to improve the way South East Water manages its pipeline network is to get underway in East Sussex from the end of June.
New meters are being installed in Hertsmonceux, Polegate, Heathfield and Chiddingly, allowing the company to better monitor the flow of water through its pipes and react quickly if there’s a burst on the network.
Chris Love, delivery manager at South East Water, said: “The meters are similar to the ones which measure the amount of water used by our customers. The ones we’re installing record both the amount of water passing through our pipeline network and the water pressure in a particular area.
“Through this monitoring, we can see how much water is being used and if there is a drastic change, investigate the possibility of there being a burst. We’ve had meters like this on our system for many years, but by installing more we will have a better idea of what is happening.”
The meters will be installed in roads and footpaths. Disruption will be kept to a minimum, but temporary traffic lights may be used in some areas to ensure traffic can safely pass around the working area.
Chris continued: “We have planned to carry out this work in a way that impacts as little as possible on the local community.”
The work is part of the company’s £424 million investment programme taking place between 2015 and 2020.
The news will be welcomed by residents, particularly those in Hailsham after thousands were left without water for up to 36 hours following a burst water main on the A22.
The pipe burst at 5am on Sunday, May 10 and was eventually fixed at around midday on Monday, with water supply returning to homes gradually throughout the evening.
Bottled water was distributed in areas across Hailsham and Polegate, while South East Water delivered bottles of water to vulnerable customers registered with the company.