A safe working area for our workforce, where they have room to work, store materials such as the excavated material and stand plant such as mini excavators.

They need to be able to park their vehicles within the traffic management and be able to get in and out of them safely.

HGVs typically attend to bring in the heavy materials we use to backfill and reinstate excavations and they need to do the same.

There are specified widths of safety zones we need between our works area and the live traffic.

As well as specified widths we need to leave for traffic to pass our works.

We only apply for a full road closure when it’s needed to be able to carry out the work safely and efficiently. In some cases, the size of the excavation, the placement of underground pipes, or the size of the road means it wouldn’t be safe to keep the road open to traffic. We always assess whether traffic lights or partial closures would be suitable before deciding on a full closure. 

Even when work is being done in stages, the overall layout of the site or the positioning of equipment can mean it isn’t safe to let traffic through. A full closure can sometimes shorten the overall time taken to complete the work, by allowing the team to work more efficiently and safely. 

Road closures are always coordinated with the local highway authority, with advance notices and on-street signage in place before the works begin.  

We’ll always tell the emergency services and, if needed, we’ll let nearby residents and businesses know directly. 

We always let the emergency services know about road closures in advance. Access arrangements are agreed with the local authority and emergency services to make sure they can get to properties if needed. 

If our work means you can’t use your home charging point for a period of time, you might be able to make a claim for any extra charging costs you’ve had to pay, under what’s known as Schedule 12 of the Water Industry Act.  

To help us look into it, we’ll need you to send us: proof of what it normally costs you to charge at home; proof of what you’ve paid to charge elsewhere during our works; the dates of the additional costs. 

Send any details and supporting documents to legalteam@anglianwater.co.uk and we’ll take a look at your claim. 

We work with local authorities to make essential services continue as normal wherever possible. In some cases, you might need to temporarily move your bins to an agreed collection point, or arrange to collect parcels elsewhere.  

For any specific delivery or access requirements during the works, please let us know in advance so we can advise on the best arrangements. If you’re having a particular issue with bins or something similar, just let one of our friendly team know and they’d be happy to help. 

Where parking is affected, we agree temporary arrangements with the local authority, like alternative parking or a more flexible parking permit. 

Our teams can put measures in place, such as providing safe pedestrian access across excavations. If you or someone in your household has specific mobility needs, now’s a great time to take a look at our Priority Services Register and sign up or adjust your support to suit you – find out more at anglianwater.co.uk/priority. Please get in touch any time before or during the work if you have any specific mobility needs talk to one of our friendly team if you see them on site or email us at: lead@anglianwater.co.uk.

Only essential vehicles and safety barriers will be left on site during our work. While we’ll always leave safety barriers while there are open holes in the ground, to protect pedestrians and road users, we aim to keep the working area as [undisruptive] as possible. 

You can check if your home has lead pipework by checking for dark grey or black pipes, swollen joints, or shiny silver strips that appear when gently scraped with a coin. Make sure you run your tap for two minutes and wash your hands thoroughly after touching any suspected lead pipework. If you’re unsure if your pipes are lead, you can call our advice line on 0345 070 3445 to book a free lead test or use our online form.

The water we provide from the mains in the street is virtually lead free – so if a water sample shows lead in your water, it’s likely been picked up as it passes through a lead supply or communication pipe, connecting the water main to the school building.  

Running taps for 2 minutes before using any water will reduce the levels of lead in drinking water – but replacing any lead pipework as it’s the only way to completely remove lead from your drinking water.  

The pipes that run from the water main to the highway boundary are our responsibility to look after and upgrade - these are called ‘communication pipes’. The part of the pipe that runs between the highway boundary and into the property belongs to the property owner. The diagram further down the page shows pipe responsibility more clearly. 

No - it doesn’t stop lead getting into the water completely. Hard water causes scale to build up on the inside of lead pipes, reducing how much lead your drinking water is in contact with. But the best way to remove the risk of lead getting into water is to replace any lead pipework with new pipes made of modern materials.