Sowerby Bridge set for major water mains replacement scheme

Yorkshire Water has begun the first phase of a £4.5m water mains replacement scheme in Sowerby Bridge, Calderdale, today (7 April). 

The work will see 11km of clean water mains replaced across Sowerby Bridge in five phases over the next 18 months. Once complete, the reliability of drinking water supply will improve, with leakage and mains bursts in the area less likely. 

The work is part of Yorkshire Water’s £406m investment to replace more than 1,000km of water mains across the region over the next five years. 

In the initial phase, old mains will be replaced with durable, flexible plastic piping on Wakefield Road, Canal Road, Woodhouse Lane, Copley Glen, Copley Mount, and Copley Grove.  

Scott Gammon, project manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “As part of Yorkshire Water’s £8.3bn largest ever investment into its infrastructure, we are delivering a significant upgrade to our clean water network - since April last year, we have replaced over 170km of pipework across the region. 

“Our infrastructure in Sowerby Bridge needs updating – it has a history of frequent bursts, some of which have resulted in temporary supply interruptions for customers – and we have worked with local stakeholders to bring forward this work, which was initially planned for 2028, so that residents can start to feel the benefits much sooner.” 

Locals can hear more about the work from the Yorkshire Water project team and contract partners, Sapphire Utility Solutions, at a community drop-in on Thursday 9 April at Sowerby Bridge Cricket Club between 3pm and 6pm. 

The first phase is expected to be completed in May 2027, with the remaining four phases still in planning. The overarching project is expected to be completed by October 2027.  

Scott added: “We’ll be working quickly and doing everything that we can to keep disruption to a minimum whilst we deliver this important work, working really closely with the local highways team to co-ordinate work.” 

Residents and businesses will be contacted in regard to any localised disruption.