Thames Water updates

We are aware of various, ongoing issues associated with Thames Water in our Parish. We also recognise the inconvenience that these issues are causing for current and future residents. This page will provide the latest information we have from Thames Water about these issues. 

Nursery and Plant Centre

Thames Water has confirmed with the Parish Council (30 Jan 2023) that there is no issue regarding waste water capacity at this site. This was confirmed in a letter to West Oxfordshire District Council in July 2020.

However, there have been difficulties in establishing a water supply to the development within an acceptable timeframe. This is due to the challenges of crossing the A40, due in part to existing obstructions and ongoing works in the area where the main pipe was going to be laid. 

Following discussions with Oxfordshire County Council, Thames Water has now obtained an approved permit to commence the works and it is anticipated that this will take place as follows:

1. 22 Jan 2023 - complete the diversion of the existing water main

2. 23-27 Jan 2023 - install new 125mm water main across the A40 to Cuckoo Lane (approx. 50m north of the A40)

3. 6-10 Feb 2023 - pressure test, chlorinate and sample new water main

4. 13-17 Feb 2023 - sample in bacteriological analysis at Thames Water’s laboratories

5. 20-25 Feb 2023 - final connection into Thames Water’s clean water network, delivering new connection to the development

Thames Water noted that works should proceed as listed above provided:

• they don't experience ‘an event’ on the surrounding clean water network e.g. a burst clean water main

• a third party (e.g. from the existing road ‘owner’/Highway Authority, Emergency Services etc.) doesn't inhibit progress  

Pipe Fixing Works in Back Lane

(July 2023) We have been informed that the current issues with the pipes in Back Lane are being caused by sewer deformation, which is due to the nature of the pitch fibre material it is made of. To fix this issue, Thames Water had originally planned to line the 240m of deformed pipe. However, now that more information has become available, there is a new plan to ‘pipe burst’.

Fundamentally, a pipe burst involves dragging a pipe of new material through the old pipe to replace it. Before this can be completed, Thames Water will set up the equipment necessary to ensure flow in the network is maintained during the pipe burst. This will require 3-4 holes to be dug in Back Lane and will take place from 11 July.

(Aug 2023) An emergency road closure for a section of Back Lane will be in place from 8 August until 11 December, 24 hours each day, to allow for repairs to collapsed sewer pipes. 

(Sept 23) There has been further collapse of the pipe in Back Lane and the previous approach to remedy (a pipe burst) is no longer practical due to the high number of connections private lateral connections into the main sewer pipe. Instead, an alternative approach will be found but full details of this repair are still being planned. Ultimately, the entire pipe will be replaced and the road will remain closed until this is complete. Read more in our news story.

West Oxfordshire District Council action on sewage

The District Council has shared details (March 2023) of their ongoing work with Thames Water to identify and address some of the issues that are causing sewage to end up in our waterways. 

The District Council has changed planning regulations to ensure sewage treatment capacity is considered when any developments are planned and are supporting Thames Water in safely improving capacity. Read more in our news piece.