Reducing leaks and bursts: Thames Water to begin £8m mains replacement scheme in Dartford

• Thames Water this month will start an £8m project in Southfleet, Dartford, to replace water mains to reduce leaks and bursts
• 8.4km of mains being replaced as part of Thames Water’s biggest upgrade in 150 years
• Three-year project across nine roads to improve the water network for generations to come 

To reduce leaks and bursts across the local network Thames Water will shortly begin an £8 million project in Southfleet, Dartford, to replace ageing water mains. 

The three‑year programme will see essential upgrades delivered across nine roads, totalling 8.4 kilometres, providing a more reliable water supply for customers for generations to come. Work is scheduled to commence by the end of October 2026. 

The investment forms part of Thames Water’s wider commitment to modernising its infrastructure and tackling leakage across London and the Thames Valley. It comes as part of the biggest upgrade to its network in 150 years.  

By replacing older pipes, the company aims to reduce disruption for residents and strengthen the network’s ability to cope with future demand. 

Alex Tomasiewicz, Senior Project Manager at Thames Water said:

“Upgrading our water mains in Dartford is a vital part of our long‑term plan to reduce leaks and improve reliability of service. This investment will help ensure customers have a resilient, high‑quality water supply well into the future. 

 “Money from customer bills is contributing directly to this work. We are helping to build a strong water system, healthier rivers and maintain world class quality drinking water on tap. 

“We’ve been targeting the areas that need upgrading the most. We will continue to invest in further mains replacement projects over the next few years. In total, we are going to replace 550km during this regulatory period, which covers five years in total.” 

Work will be carefully phased to minimise disruption, with teams on site throughout the autumn as the first section of the programme gets underway. Diversion routes will be clearly signed where required and access to home and businesses will be maintained wherever possible.  

The work is being undertaken by M Group, a major long-term infrastructure and capital delivery partner for Thames Water. Southfleet Parish Council have been involved in the planning and Thames Water has been communicating with customers in the area in advance of the work beginning. 

On the scheme, Russell Brown, Contractor Director at M Group said:

" Replacing ageing mains is highly skilled, carefully planned work, and our teams are committed to completing it safely, efficiently, and with as little disruption as possible. 

 "This investment will make a real difference to local reliability, and we’re pleased to play our part in strengthening Dartford’s water network for the long term.”