NORTHUMBRIAN Water has submitted plans to replace a century old water main after warning 18,000 homes could be left without water if it fails.
The company is asking county planners for permission to replace the pipeline between Lartington Water Treatment Works (WTW) and Shildon.
The pipe passes along the west of Barnard Castle and runs parallel to the A67 towards Gainford, before splitting into two, with one fork heading towards Ingleton and then Shildon, while the other continues east to join to a future main feeding Teesside.
In a planning statement, the water company said: “The existing pipelines between Lartington WTW and Long Newton Service Reservoir have reached the end of their operational life. Defects in the pipelines have been caused by corrosion, stress on the pipeline and general deterioration since the pipelines were installed some 154 years ago.
“The pipelines now present an unacceptable failure and loss of supply risk that could last between two and three days and impact 18,000 properties directly as well as a wider water quality risk to over 200,000 properties on Teesside in the event of an asset failure.”
The statement added that the existing pipeline does not have the capacity to cope with the flow and pressure of the new trunk pipeline.
Northumbrian Water said the route of the new water main had been chosen to avoid environmental harm and would not affect ancient woodland or veteran trees, as well as wildlife habitats.
The company added: “The route selected has also aimed to avoid impact on protected species and their habitats wherever possible, and appropriate mitigation and licences will be in place where any impact is expected.
“The pipeline will be a gravity main, and as such will require no pumping during operation, avoid energy expenditure during its operational life.”
Northumbrian Water warned that the route crosses several roads and public rights of way, and temporary closures would be necessary during building work.
The plan is for the pipeline to cross the River Tees through a tunnel at Barnard Castle and a new pipe bridge across Alwent Beck between Winston and Gainford.
