The firm behind Berkhamsted’s water provision has released further details of a £2.3 million upgrade to the town’s piping system ahead of a public Q&A session next week.
Affinity Water says the improvement works were planned years in advance, and will take place between now and autumn 2014.
Spokesman Kevin Barton said: “We are upgrading nearly 18km of the underground pipes that supply water each day to residents, businesses and schools in the Berkhamstead area.
“Some of the existing water mains were laid more than 50 years ago and have given many years of good service, but have now reached the end of their useful lives.
“The majority of these pipes are cast iron, which have begun to weaken. This has made them vulnerable to leaks and bursts.”
He said the work may cause some disruption for commuters in the area, but that appropriate diversions would be in place.
Mr Barton said: “Not all pipes in Berkhamsted need replacing. We monitor the burst history of areas and include other factors to identify which pipes need to be replaced.”
He said the improvement works have nothing to do with Dacorum Borough Council’s ‘core strategy’ plans for 1,200 new homes in the area.
He said: “We are committed to renewing our network as agreed with our regulator Ofwat so our customers continue to receive a high quality service from their local supplier.”
Two drop-in sessions on the upgrade will be held outside Tesco in Berkhamsted High Street from 10am to 4pm on Thursday, September 12, and Tuesday, September 17.
To learn more about the Affinity Water works programme, visit www.affinitywater.co.uk/customerzone