Progress on our project to install the Layer to Langford Pipeline has been very good over these past few weeks and we have now laid 5km of the 20km route. This has enabled us to begin reinstating land and installing post construction land drainage in some areas to ensure the ground is returned to land owners is as good as, or in an improved condition compared to when we mobilised to site. In autumn of this year we will also begin to replant any hedgerows we removed to ensure the biodiversity value along the route is maintained. We have now received the majority of the pipework required for the project and any large deliveries our communities may have observed will become a thing of the past.

Fish & Eel Pass Progress, July 24 The main construction works on the Fish & Eel Pass are complete, finishing touches like handrailing and a small debris deflector are needed before the structure can be put into use but there’s light at the end of the tunnel now. The progress photos show the structure with the eel pass on the right (looking uphill) which has had all the peg tiles installed and is now covered by a mesh walkway for maintenance access, and the fish pass on the left with the resting pool roughly halfway. Fencing, supporting gabion baskets of stone and soil backfill have all been completed recently along with the internal tiles on each pass.

We have now completed all of the archaeological work on the pipeline route and have found some interesting artefacts including Roman coins and pottery from the Iron and Bronze Ages. This generated interest from the BBC who wrote an article on the finds that can be located here…. Essex pipeline dig reveals Roman and Bronze Age settlements - BBC News Whilst the weather has been kinder to us in the last few weeks than earlier in the year we have made good progress stripping topsoil, receiving pipe materials on site and putting pipe into the ground. We have now laid just short of 5km of the total 20km length and in some places we have already begun to reinstate topsoil and return land to landowners. Please keep your eyes peeled for the crews working along the route as they work hard to improve our service to you, our customers. 

Hi all, Welcome to the Smart Suffolk for business page! On this page, we'll keep you informed of the progress we're making installing Smart meters for businesses in your area. Check out the different tabs for further information on what we're doing and why we're installing Smart meters.  We're currently conducting surveys in your area, and we'll be in contact with you as this progresses.  Our FAQ page should help to answer any questions you may have. But if there's anything further you want to ask, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below and someone will get back to you.

Fish & Eel Pass Progress, May 24 Following the successful concrete pour and a spell of good weather, progress has been storming ahead! Gabions (wire baskets of stone) have been installed to support the banks and the areas behind the gabions have been backfilled with soil to bring back the original ground levels. The lower gabion on the southern side (nearest the bank) will also prevent pooling in what would otherwise be a ‘dead end’ for the fish and eels using the pass.  Upcoming activities include filling the space between the gabion baskets at the lower end of the eel pass channel with stone. Looking further ahead, we will be installing the tiles designed to optimise the water flow characteristics in both channels to make passage up the pass as easy as possible for the different species.

Hi all, We have exciting news! Carlton, our brand-new community engagement vehicle, will be visiting your area from mid-May onwards! Carlton, named for the beautiful Carlton Marshes in Suffolk, will be manned by our two wonderful community engagement ambassadors Sophie and Julie. You’ll be able to ask them any questions you may have about water usage, bills, smart metering and so on. Carlton will be travelling around, visiting as many areas as possible within Suffolk. Check out our website to see when Carlton will be near you: Community events - Carlton (eswater.co.uk). If you see him whilst he’s out and about, give him a wave or stop and say hi! If you have any questions that can’t wait for Carlton, leave them below in the comments and someone will get back to you. Don’t forget to keep an eye on this page for future updates!

April/May 2024 Progress Update (Fish & Eel Pass Concreting) Following the portadam issues in February the site was temporarily stood down awaiting more favourable conditions in which to attempt the final concrete pour. The project team reviewed weather reports and flow data on a weekly basis searching for a reducing trend that would indicate an opportunity to return to site. Remobilisation commenced towards the end of April, the portadam was reset and the working area drained down and preparations were made for the major concrete pour, cleaning down the structure and reinstalling the shuttering. The concreting was successfully completed last week so the main structure is finally taking shape!

You may have seen our teams working alongside the B1026 near to Abberton Reservoir over the last few weeks. This team has begun to install the 900mm diameter pipeline that we have been receiving from our suppliers over the last few months. Its here that the water conveyed by the pipeline begins its journey south towards Langford WTW. We also welcomed BBC Essex on the 24th April who were keen to see what we were up to, talk to our installation teams and out Water Director, and to then go on into Colchester to discuss Smart Meters with local residents. IT was a great experience for the project team and nice to show off this fantastic project to improve water resilience in Essex.

Despite the very wet start to the year our construction teams have been working hard to begin pipelaying activities along the pipeline route. We previously posted an update about the progress of topsoil stripping and whilst this continues, we are also starting to put pipe into the ground. This work has started at our Langford WTW, adjacent to the Museum of Power. We recently completed the connection of two of the mains we had previously installed under the River Blackwater and we are now laying away from these towards the Water Treatment works.  In late March we will also being our archaeological mitigation work, having completed the trial trenching last year. The mitigation works will allow the archaeological teams to further understand the history of the area that our pipeline crosses. In total we have 21 areas where the local authorities would like us to complete further investigation work. These range from small area circa 20m in length up to areas that are 500m in length. 

Hi all, Wow this year is moving fast – already in March! And our installations are moving just as quick in your area this week. We thought it might be useful to share some of the great benefits of your future Smart meter. Once your Smart meter is live and connected to our network, you’ll be able to track your water usage, on our app.  You’ll be able to see what you’re using hourly, daily, weekly and monthly. This gives you more control to see what you’re using and make decisions that are right for your family. You could save both water and money by using your Smart meter. It’s a win-win! By saving water, you’ll be helping to protect the environment around you. It will help keep this precious resource available for future generations. We’ll also be able to alert you if we think you have a potential leak in your home. By finding it early, it could help to prevent any costly damage to your home. Don’t forget to visit our Frequently Asked Questions and if you’d like more information on your future Smart meter, feel free to leave a comment below or check out our Smart meter pages at Smart water meters (eswater.co.uk)

Hi all, We're continuing to install boundary boxes and Smart meters in your area this week. Whilst we continue with these installs, we thought it might be great to introduce you to the Smart meters we're fitting. Smart meters work the same as regualr meters in that they monitor the flow of water into your household. But the wonderful thing about Smart meters is that they can transmit readings back to us every 24 hours, without us having to come out and take manual readings. This means that we can provide you with more accurate data on how much water you are using. Our network isn't live yet, but we'll let you know when it is. Below, we have a photo of what your Smart meter will look like once it is fitted.                         Why don’t you download our handy App so you can get to see where you’ll find your usage and handy tips.  Don’t forget you can update all your contact details on your on line account so we can keep you updated when your smart meter is fully smart! To learn more about Smart meters, check out our FAQ page on our website Smart water meter FAQS (eswater.co.uk)  or leave a comment below and someone will get back to you.

FIsh & Eel Pass Progress Update Hi everyone, just a short update this week to let you know that works have slowed again due to the continuing heavy rainfall and the effects of high water in the river. Works had been going well and the concrete installation was almost complete with just one major concrete pour left to go. Unfortunately it’s just not possible to make progress in the current conditions and the portadam has been breached again (see photos). We’re monitoring river and rainfall data looking for the next opportunity to reset and pump out the dam so the remaining concreting can go ahead.