NI Water has announced that 5000 pipes have been laid on the £14 million Castor Bay-Belfast Water Pipeline – an essential package of work, which will improve the security of the water supply infrastructure for its customers.

5000 pipes is a major milestone for the project, with a total of 6000 pipes involved in the scheme overall. NI Water said the pipeline, which got underway in January 2014, is progressing well and is on schedule to deliver key improvements to the water supply infrastructure in the area. Two new water pumping stations at Sprucefield and St Andrews (Temple) are at an advanced stage of construction as part of the programme of works, as well as the upgrading of five local reservoirs.

The major pipeline involves laying a new 29km water pipeline from Castor Bay Water Treatment Works in Craigavon to south Lisburn, where the pipeline will link into an existing trunk main to transport the water supply on to Belfast. The scheme will provide a vital source of water coming into Belfast, which will be especially important during future winters and in supplementing increased demand in the area.

Sara Venning NI Water Chief Executive, NI Water said:

“I am delighted to be here on site with the project team to mark the 5000 pipes milestone on this essential pipeline. With a total of 6000 pipes on the overall pipeline, we are progressing well towards our Summer 2015 target.”

“This investment is good news for customers, as it will improve the security of the water supply infrastructure, as well as improving drinking water quality, reducing leakage, whilst ensuring that NI Water complies with the relevant EU directives.

“We will continue to work closely with the project team of Lagan Construction Group and Capita to complete work as quickly as possible, with minimum disruption.”