United Utilities investing in Oldham with water network upgrades

A £500,000 project to upgrade more than 1.7km of Oldham’s water mains is underway.

The water company for the North West is replacing ageing water pipes to help reduce leaks and bursts and improve the reliability of the water supply in the area for years to come. 

The project is part of United Utilities’ £380m programme to upgrade 925km of water mains during the next five years.  More than 200km of these are across Greater Manchester. 

Work is being carried out on a section of Milnrow Road and some of the residential streets in the area. It is expected to be completed by Christmas. 

The replacement mains are built to withstand high pressure and temperature variations to help protect against burst and reduce leaks. 

Liam Garvey from United Utilities’ Water Services team in Greater Manchester said: “The improvements we are delivering in Oldham will make the water network in the area more resilient. 

“The new mains are designed to withstand greater fluctuations in temperature and higher pressures. They are expected to last more than 100 years and will play an important role in helping us deliver a reliable water supply to customers for decades to come.” 

United Utilities has notified customers in the area to let them know about the project. They are also reminding customers that all United Utilities’ employees and contract partners carry ID cards and will be happy to have their identity checked. If in doubt, customers should call 0345 672 3723. 

Liam Garvey added: “We know this type of work can be disruptive and we are doing all we can to keep that to a minimum.” 

More information is available online at www.unitedutilities.com/new-water-pipes