Plan for new sewer system divides Heath Ride residents

THAMES WATER has developed plans for a sewer and pumping station on Heath Ride after it received formal applications from multiple households to be connected to a public system.

Properties in Heath Ride are not currently part of the network and most residents use septic tanks to collect waste.

Due to the Water Industry Act, Thames Water is duty bound to make a connection when a property owner requests access to the main sewer network.

Of the 78 home owners surveyed in 2018, 24 were interested in connecting to the new sewer.

However, some residents on the road believe that the disruption and costs involved are not worth the hassle.

Aaron Reader, who lives on Heath Ride, said: “It’s a total waste of money and I think you’ll be lucky if you get 10 of the residents connected.

“To connect to the system I will have to dig up the driveway, pay a connection fee and then pay more on a yearly basis compared to maintaining the current system I have got in.”

This view was shared by another homeowner who described the plans as “not economically viable.”

Although the new sewer will be funded by Thames Water, anyone wishing to join the system will have to pay a one-off connection fee and then an ongoing wastewater charge.

Individual property owners have the option to maintain their current systems if they do not wish to join the new network.

Due to the narrow nature of the road, some homeowners are concerned about gaining access to their properties while work is ongoing.

Thames Water is keen to appease residents’ worries.

A spokesperson said: “We appreciate some residents have concerns about potential disruption and we will do everything we can to keep it to a minimum.

“We’re experienced at working on infrastructure projects on narrow roads and, wherever possible, will ensure access is maintained for residents, visitors, and the likes of emergency vehicles, bin collections and online delivery services.”

Thames Water has also committed to no night-time working and will ensure access is always available at the start and end of each working day.

As well as maintaining private and domestic waste, the sewer will help protect the environment, Thames Water staff said.

They believe that there is clear evidence that some private systems have failed and are causing pollution in nearby watercourses.

This is usually caused by sewage water leaking from septic tanks into the surrounding ground and into nearby waters or via surface water drains.

Planning consent to lay the new pipes is not required, however it is necessary for the pumping station. An application is due to be submitted to the council this spring.

The pumping station will be designed with landscaping and plants to screen it from neighbouring properties and the Thames Water spokesperson said that they already have similar stations in place which cause little disruption to those who live nearby.

Once the application has been received by the council, residents will be able to comment on the proposals.

If approved, work is expected to start in February 2023, and completion is scheduled for February 2024.

The Thames Water spokesperson said that pipes being laid four metres deep is a “significant factor” in the expected project duration.