Anglian Water is extending work to replace lead water pipes in Peterborough include another 780 homes, at a cost of over £300,000.

The new phase of the scheme follows the 2,100 homes whose pipes have been replaced since the scheme began in January, and is due to come to an end this month.

The old lead pipes are being replaced with plastic ones ahead of new European standards on the amount of lead allowed in drinking water. The new European standards, which came into force last year saw the limit on lead in drinking water more than halve, from 25 to 10 parts per billion.

This second phase is expected to be completed in May 2015.

Kate Willis, Water Quality Strategy Manager for Anglian Water, said:

“Where lead is found in tap water, it usually comes from old lead pipe work connecting the property to the water main or in the internal plumbing. In Peterborough we are now replacing large amounts of that old pipework as part of our continual programme of investment in improving water quality.”

The work only covers those pipes, known as communications pipes, which are owned by Anglian Water and which connect its water mains to people’s private service pipes. The service pipes, which run from the building to its boundary with the street, are the responsibility of the property owner. Peterborough has a high number of older properties which are served by lead pipes.

Kate Willis added that it is likely that if the communications pipe is lead the service pipes will be too and that the surest way to prevent lead getting into drinking water is to replace all lead pipework.