Burpham Sewer Remains Blocked – Residents Enduring Noxious Smells

Published on: 23 Aug, 2017
Updated on: 23 Aug, 2017

Tankers involved in the 24-hour pumping operation that continues in Bowers Lane.

A blockage in a main sewer, which is understood to serve over 5,000 homes in Burpham and Merrow, is continuing to affect some residents in Bowers Lane. The problem has been continuing now for over three weeks.

According to local resident, Jim Allen, who has been monitoring the problem, it was first reported to Thames Water on July 31.

Two tankers are pumping out sewage around the clock to keep the level of effluent down and prevent it from coming up through man holes. The problem was first noticed when raw sewage appeared in some gardens in Bowers Lane.

So far, it is estimated that over a million gallons of sewage and storm water has been pumped out into the tankers which then transport it to be deposited through another manhole in Jacobs Well and, more latterly, in Slyfield.

Occupants of houses near where the pumping is taking place are having to endure high levels of noxious smells and noise. Workmen entering the manholes have been seen wearing breathing equipment.

Sewage is believed to have backed up within the system as far as the London Road, but this has not been confirmed. There is concern that the lack of flow within the the pipes over an extended period will have caused sediment to build up.

A diagram of a typical siphon sewer, thought to be similar to that that passes under the River Wey at Burpham. The “penstock” shutter is believed to have collapsed.

The fault was reported as a collapsed shutter or “penstock”. Congealed fat deposits on the Burpham side of the River Wey near the penstock have also been observed and may be the prime cause of the break down.

During the operation, a 13 ton vehicle, equipped with a water jetter, deployed to clean the sewer on the Jacobs Well side of the river, got stuck in a ditch between two fields and at midday today (August 23) was still awaiting recovery.

Thames Water have been asked to comment. Guildford’s MP Anne Milton, who lives nearby, is being kept aware of the situation.

Conversations between residents and Thames Water indicate that they acknowlege the system is already overloaded, despite plans for further developments in the area.

Guildford Borough Council have consistently said that further housing developments would be dependent on any necessary infrastructure improvements being made.

See also: Sewage Overflowing into Burpham Gardens – Thames Water On The Case

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