Work to improve a key section of sewer beneath Sea Road in Westgate, next to West Bay, has now been completed.
The scheme aims to reduce the chance of any bursts and improve the resilience of the Southern Water network in the area.
Following detailed investigations, engineers identified that part of the sewer between two manholes is located within an adit – a tunnel-like structure – which required a specialist repair to ensure long-term resilience.
To carry out the work Southern Water used a full-length ultraviolet (UV) cured liner along the affected section of pipe. This technique reinforces the existing sewer from within, creating a durable new internal pipe without the need for extensive excavation.
Director of Wastewater Operations at Southern Water, George Taylor said: “We are committed to improving our wastewater network to better protect this popular Kent bathing area and the environment people come here to enjoy.
“The work at Sea Road is part of our ongoing investment to strengthen the system and reduce the risk of future issues.”
Southern Water says it is investing more than £30 million to boost the resilience of Thanet’s water supply.
Work in Thanet over the next five years includes major upgrades to water treatment processes, the replacement of around 30 kilometres of ageing water mains, along with improvements to power and communication systems at water supply works.
Planned work includes:
- £16 million for new nitrate treatment schemes to enhance water quality
- £3 million to upgrade disinfection processes in line with tighter regulations
- Targeted improvements at key sites to reduce discolouration and improve water quality at Wingham Water Supply Works
- Spending more than £4 million to reduce recovery times following incidents – which means the company can refill reservoirs quicker
- Upgrades to backup power supplies, control systems and communications to reduce outages
Around 36 kilometres of pipework across the wider Kent area, including Thanet, has also been identified for replacement with the aim of reducing leaks and improving the efficiency of the network.
