Essex And Suffolk Water Completes Brome Water Main Upgrade Project

Essex & Suffolk Water has completed a targeted infrastructure project replacing 360 metres of ageing water mains along Eye Road in Brome, Suffolk. This work was delivered on schedule as part of the company’s broader water supply improvement programme and focused on reducing the likelihood of leaks and bursts that can interrupt service to local homes and businesses.

Project Scope and Strategic Context
The Brome upgrade involved renewing a short but critical section of water main to modern standards. Although small in absolute length, this investment forms an integral part of Essex & Suffolk Water’s larger strategy to protect drinking water quality and increase the resilience of its distribution network. The project cost £87,000 and was completed in December 2025.

This work is one component of a planned £1.5 billion investment over the next five years to improve water infrastructure across the Essex and Suffolk region. The programme includes extensive mains renewal and other strategic upgrades designed to reduce supply interruptions and to support long-term service performance.

Implementation and Operational Considerations
The renewal was carried out with the support of delivery partner T4. Coordinated activity with Suffolk County Council’s Network Assurance team ensured that traffic management and road space planning supported safe and efficient completion of the works.

Following standard practice for network upgrades, trial-hole investigations were undertaken in adjacent areas (such as Stradbroke Road in Fressingfield) to inform subsequent phases of mains replacement. The next phase of work in the area will involve a £1.4 million investment to replace approximately eight kilometres of existing water mains, beginning in early 2026.

Outcome: Improved Reliability and Reduced Risk
Replacing ageing mains with modern materials and construction methods strengthens the local distribution system. Upgrading these assets lowers the frequency of leaks and bursts, which in turn reduces unplanned service interruptions and the associated operational costs of emergency repairs. Compared to routine maintenance that addresses individual faults as they arise, proactive mains renewal minimises disruption for customers and contributes to the overall reliability of the network.

By completing this work ahead of schedule and integrating it into a comprehensive investment programme, Essex & Suffolk Water is enhancing supply continuity in a way that aligns with broader regional efforts to ensure resilient water services for customers now and in the future.

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