We've just received the following encouraging news from Thames Water about their labourious but vitally important examination of our local sewage network:
- Surveying began on Sunday 25 July, but progress was slow due to the recent rainfall and the build up of silt that this rainfall had resulted in. Investigations therefore had to be extended and all of the necessary survey work was completed by Monday 2 August.
- Thames Water's focus has now turned to understanding how the system in the area operates. The first stage of this includes a specialist technician reviewing the camera survey footage for the area. The results of the survey will be considered alongside the location and characteristics of previous flooding incidents, to compile an accurate plan of the local system. This information will then enable Thames Water to identify any next steps that can be taken in the area.
- There is a defect in a small section of pipework that was identified as they began to conduct their surveys. The defect is unrelated to the flooding that has occurred and Thames Water are in the process of planning their next steps to complete a repair.
- Thames Water estimate that it will take around three weeks to review the extensive footage and information that has been gathered. We hoped that this information would be available sooner, but this was based on when Thames Water were able to access pipework via manhole chambers in this busy section of road. The heavy rainfall in July has not helped.
A follow up meeting with local councillors and MPs will take place once Thames Water have fully completed their investigations and reviewed their findings, this will most likely take place in early September.
As ever, I'll keep the community updated as this investigation progresses. It's still vital that we get to the bottom it so that it never happens again.
