Pipeline to boost water supplies

Work on the new pipeline will begin early in 2008

A new £1.4m pipeline planned for East Sussex will help to deliver up to eight million litres of water every day.

South East Water is to build a new 4km (2.4 miles) pipeline between its Hazards Green Water Treatment Works at Ninfield, to Amberstone, near Hailsham.

The pipeline will increase the amount of water the company can distribute into the Hailsham and Eastbourne areas.

South East Water said it would also mean that the demand for water from planned new homes would be met.

Environmental impact

Graham Webb, infrastructure development manager, said: "The recent drought demonstrated how vital it is that we continue to invest in developing our water supply network.

"This new strategic water main will mean we can meet the growing demand for water each year from our existing customers, as well as being able to supply future population growth in the area."

The company will begin laying the new pipe from early next year.

South East Water said its route had been chosen in order to minimise the community and environmental impact, particularly on protected species such as great crested newts and dormice.