The VMR is a major clean water program to replace an ageing network of mains using four methods of construction, namely, open cut, insertion, pipe bursting and directional drilling. The particular method selected was based on various factors considered at the planning stage including requirements of the area, up or downsizing, rationalisation and reticulation of the supply or site circumstances.
The scheme has involved replacing 46 km of the existing local distribution water network with just over 39 km of new PE pipes, as well as 11,000 associated customer supply connections, fire mains and fire hydrants in more than 270 streets in London’s West End. In total it aims to save an estimated 5.7 megalitres of water per day.
