Work is due to begin on a major new pipeline project to ensure Widnes homes and businesses have a reliable water supply for years to come.

United Utilities is boosting its supply network in the area, by constructing a brand new 2.5km water main from Fiddlers Ferry Power Station to Widnes Waterfront, as well as installing new connecting pipes to the Vyrnwy Aqueduct - which brings water into Widnes and Warrington from sources in Wales.

The £3 million project is a direct response to population growth in the area, plus the water needs of the flagship Widnes Waterfront development and the Fiddlers Ferry Power Station. It will improve the overall reliability of the local water network by making it more flexible, reduce the risk of leakage and ensure a high standard of service to new and existing customers.

Work will begin today to install a section of the new water main along the eastbound side of Fiddlers Ferry Road. The work will take four weeks to complete.

Daniel Smith, United Utilities' Project Manager, said:

"Widnes has grown significantly since the original water network was installed, and it is expected to continue to expand in the coming years. This investment will support the economic development of the area, by ensuring local homes and businesses have a secure water supply. As the area grows, the water network needs to grow with it.

"Our route for the new pipeline runs along the Fiddlers Ferry Road but is mainly in the grass verges, which means we can keep the traffic flowing."

The whole programme, including new connections to the Vyrnwy Aqueduct, will be finished by summer 2011.

Mr. Smith said:

"Although the current work on Fiddlers Ferry Road is very visible, the bulk of the engineering work for this scheme will take place 'behind the scenes' - off the highways and hidden from public view. Thankfully, that means that disruption to households, businesses and motorists will be kept to a minimum.

"Ultimately, this investment will safeguard supplies for decades to come, so it's an important scheme for the area."

The programme is part of a bumper investment plan for the North West's water and sewerage infrastructure, which will see £3.6 billion invested between 2010-2015.