Irish Water is set to deploy a team for a programme of water main improvements in the County Donegal town of Milford.

Work will take place to improve supply for residents in Upper Mount Marian. This will involve the replacement of old backyard services and ageing watermains.

Backyard services are usually shared, running through several neighbouring properties making it difficult to detect and repair leaks and since all properties share a connection, leaks and bursts affect all properties usually resulting in low pressure.

In some older estates, water connections typically made of iron or lead, were installed to the rear of the property, and are often referred to as backyard service connections. The pipework due to age and deteriorating condition are a significant source of leakage and reduced levels of service.

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Speaking about the works, Irish Water's National Leakage Reduction Programme Regional Lead, Declan Cawley said: "The works here in Upper Mount Marian, Milford will be carried out by Farrans Construction in partnership with Donegal County Council and on behalf of Irish Water. We will replace 240 metres of watermain along with the backyard services. The benefits will see improved water quality and will ensure a reliable supply of water to customers in the area. The new pipes will also eliminate existing leaks and reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.

"This mains work is part of a significant investment by Irish Water to upgrade the water network in Donegal and we would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete this essential job."

A survey is required at each property within this community. The individual survey is undertaken to assess the current water connection arrangement for that property and discuss the best way to connect the new service to the customer's home. 

Customers to benefit from these improvement works will be contacted directly by Farrans Construction to provide information about the required works and to discuss a suitable time to carry out an individual survey.

The works may involve some short-term water interruptions and the project team will ensure that customers are given a minimum of 48-hours' notice prior to any planned water interruptions. Where watermains are being constructed traffic management may be in place during this time however local and emergency traffic will be always maintained. The works will be completed by end of July 2022.