New Water Main – Glastonbury

Bristol Water has installed a new trunk water main to ensure a stable water supply for over 32,000 residents in Glastonbury and its surrounding areas. The 8 km, 450mm pipe runs from Henley Hill to the Windmill Hill Reservoir and was installed by Lewis Civil Engineering, in partnership with Bristol Water. The project included a directly employed workforce, with the exception of Gmac Utilities Ltd, who were brought in as directional drilling specialists.

To meet the special ecological requirements of the Somerset levels, directional drilling was necessary in some areas, and Gmac’s experienced team had to drill a number of shots up to 120m in length through rock and 1500m in 375m lengths through delicate peat levels to minimize the impact on the ecosystem. The project involved crossing two rivers, ten ditches, and ten roads in addition to the peat levels.

Upon completion, Lewis will improve the local ecosystem by planting native hedgerow species, installing bat and bird boxes, and seeding the area with enhanced specification seeds. The company’s ESG commitments also involved engaging local communities and organizations from the start of the project, as the workforce collaborated with external stakeholders to volunteer and provide funding for local projects to improve community facilities.