A reservoir next to one of Wiltshire’s most picturesque golf courses has been drained by Thames Water as part of work to maintain world class drinking water supplies.
But this is one water feature that would have even elite golfers like Swindon’s David Howell well and truly bunkered – it’s made from reinforced concrete and buried deep underground.
Built in 1978, Common Hill Service Reservoir, between Swindon and Cirencester, holds more than 1.5 million litres of treated water before it is pumped to the taps of 2,600 properties in Cricklade.
Draining and inspecting underground reservoirs is required by law so engineers can carry out any necessary work to maintain water quality standards.
Thames Water staff have been classed as key workers during the coronavirus outbreak, meaning those who cannot fulfil their roles at home will continue to fix leaks, carry out major civil engineering and resilience schemes, and maintain services at reservoirs, water treatment works and sewage sites. Non-essential work, such as meter readings, has been reduced.
Situated near Cricklade House Hotel and Golf Club, Common Hill Reservoir comprises two ‘cells’, so one part can be taken out of service while the other remains in operation to ensure supplies are maintained.
Jon Green, Thames Water’s reservoir safety manager, said: “We take our responsibility in providing customers with the high-quality water they rightfully deserve very seriously. The work at Common Hill protects the quality of drinking water and ensures the structure remains in a good condition.
“Ensuring drinking water can be stored safely in our service reservoirs is essential for our customers and these inspections and repairs are critical to maintain a safe water supply.”
Thames Water has approximately 320 service reservoirs and 520 individual cells on an inspection programme, and typically inspects 60 cells per year. The company also tests its drinking water?over?500,000 times every year,?which helps?to make it some of the highest quality in the world. £?
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Thames Water has set up a dedicated coronavirus webpage to support customers -?thameswater.co.uk/help-and-advice/coronavirus
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To see how much water you use, and to find out how to become more efficient and save money on your bills, visit thameswater.co.uk/be-water-smart/water-saving-calculator
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For more information on support with paying bills visit thameswater.co.uk/my-account/billing-and-payment/help-paying-your-bill
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