Full minutes for the meeting are attached. The notes below summarise the main points, any omissions are mine.
Mr Jon Taylor: Senior Business Improvement Manager represented Welsh Water (WW). His presentation set out the problem, work carried out to date and work planned. There were questions from the audience, these are included in the minutes but not the notes below.
He highlighted that there had been 32 interruptions in the last 12 months and that Penmaen / Nicholaston was the worst area in Wales for supply interruptions.
He explained how the current single mains water supply from Cefn Bryn reservoir contributed to the problems experienced and also how the environment impacted potential solutions.
To date WW have installed a number of valves and hydrants to isolate areas and reduce disruption in the event of a leak. They have also rebuilt meter and pressure reducing valves and installed a pressure monitor logger.
Whilst short term problems persist WW will set up Satellite stores in Parkmill for pipes and bottled water. WW also intend to instal further valves and hydrants on the main line source.
WW have planned a major overhaul on sections of the pipework targeting completion by April 2023. The planned works are:
i) renewal of pipe from Cefn Bryn reservoir to Nicholaston.
ii) installation of new pipes around the Penmaen ‘horseshoe’ road to stabilise the network.
iii) renewal of pipes to Nicholaston Hall with 3” MVP pipe.
The feasibility study has been done and funding (£660,000 – £750,000) has been approved for the completion of the work. Note that WW have to produce an Investment Plan every 5 years for the Regulator and that these works are part of that Plan.
