Thames Water has selected Barhale, an engineering and infrastructure company, to undertake the £11.6m ($14.26m) East Putney Zone Calming scheme to enhance water network resilience for London, England, customers.
The project aims to upgrade the pumping and electrical equipment at the Park Lane pumping station in Central London.
This involves the replacement of four high-voltage pump motors with efficient, low-voltage, variable-speed models.
This will enable Thames Water to manage its network at a lower pressure, thereby addressing pressure issues and reducing the likelihood of water surges, which in turn minimises the risk of bursts and leaks, especially in the East Putney area.
In addition to the pump upgrades, Barhale will be responsible for modernising the site's electrical control systems and installing new flow control monitoring equipment.
The ventilation system within the pumping station is also set for an overhaul, with a new resilient design to be put in place.
The project's scope further includes the replacement of existing lighting and water services, as well as the removal of all redundant equipment.
Barhale Southern water director Shane Gorman said: “The successful delivery of the East Putney Zone Calming scheme will be a step change for operation of the water network at Park Lane. Replacing the existing fixed-speed motors with variable-speed motors will transform control of water pressure within the tunnels. For customers, this means a more resilient network and it will significantly reduce the likelihood of leakage.
“It is fair to say that there are certain logistical challenges. The site is literally in the middle of Park Lane, one of the busiest thoroughfares in London, with three lanes of traffic flowing either side night and day.”
The completion of the work is scheduled for September 2027.
Thames Water London Non-Infrastructure delivery director Roselyn Unegbu said: “This investment is essential to upgrading our Ring Main, ensuring Londoners can count on clean, reliable drinking water for decades to come.
"It will also help us drive down leakage and reduce the risk of bursts.”
