Affinity Water is set to begin work on a £3m scheme to build a new pumping station in the Alkham Valley at Lower Standen.

It will increase security of supply for customers by providing back-up facilities if problems occur with the water network.

Work will begin in April and is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

The pumping station scheme is part of a £34.5m capital investment programme for the South east region of Affinity Water for the five years to 2015.

Water specialists, Barhale, will be the main contractor.

The senior project manager, Richard Money, said: “This scheme will further develop our network capability, enabling us to supply customers from a range of different sources.

“It will allow us to maintain supplies should problems occur at water sources, storage reservoirs or within our distribution network.
“The pumping station is being built in a rural area and we will ensure that it blends in with its surroundings.

“The building housing the pumping station is designed to resemble a barn and a linked water storage tank will be sunk into the ground with landscaping and screening to minimise visual impact.”

The project is set to be environmentally friendly as Affinity Water are said to be working with the Kent Downs and the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership over the management of the site.

The pumping station is being built on the site of a former Water Treatment Works and the foundation slab of the old treatment works will be reused in the new scheme.
Mr Money added: “As a community focused company, extensive engagement with the local community and environmental organisations has played an important part in the development of our proposals, and will continue throughout the construction.”