Upgrading Swindon’s Pipes
As part of Thames Water’s multi-million-pound investment across our region, we’re investing £16 million upgrading our infrastructure in the Swindon area.
We’re replacing the full-length of the 3km Haydon End rising main, in Swindon, which will follow a new route to ensure the network is resilient for future generations.
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. The area and population the pipe serves have grown significantly in the years since.
In the last two years, the pipe has experienced several bursts with increasing frequency and due to the scattered nature of the bursts a full-length replacement of the pipe is required.
The replacement rising main is expected to bring wider resilience to the area and surrounding environment. We are working with the local authority (Swindon Borough Council) on improving the local cycle networks after the work is completed.
How the upgrade will help
- Less disruptions / less bursts / flooding
- Enhance river environment and community health
- Biodiversity thrive in an area of outstanding natural beauty
"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."
Andrew Scott, Head of Waste Treatment for the Thames Valley Region
"The sewage leaks in North Swindon have caused disruption to local wildlife and residents in Taw Hill so I’m really pleased Thames Water is making this significant investment in its infrastructure to benefit the town.
We've been working closely with Thames Water to facilitate the work and, because the new pipe will be going underneath the existing cycle path, we have agreed that the route is improved when the path is put back in place, which is great news for cyclists and pedestrians who use it."
Councillor Chris Watts, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment and Transport