Severn Trent is delivering the final phase of its £3 million pipe renewal programme in Leicestershire with the final 700 metres of water pipes upgraded between the villages of Arnesby and Knapfton.

The water company said the works will ensure a continued and reliable supply of water with the upgraded infrastructure ready to meet the demands of a growing population and the pressures of climate change.

This project is part of the overarching £80 million programme of infrastructure renewal taking place in Leicestershire, which includes replacement of water pipes to prevent leaks and bursts and laying of brand new sewer pipes to separate rainwater from foul water.

Lisa Orme, Severn Trent, said:

“As our pipes age, they can degrade and become more prone to failure, so it is crucial that we are renewing our network to ensure it is in the best possible condition in order to reduce leakage and events such as bursts which can impact our customers’ supply. This project will also help us to futureproof the network, ensuring that it’s fit to handle the expected rise in demand as a result of population growth, and the effects of more extreme weather events due to climate change.

“This project has been vital in ensuring that residents of Knapfton, Arnesby and the surrounding area have a water network that they can rely on.”

“By renewing the water infrastructure we are hopeful that our engineers won’t need to return to make repairs in the future.”

Severn Trent will directly contact any customer whose water supply is expected to be interrupted during the works, which are expected to be completed by April 2023.