The North Down Strategic Trunk Main (NDSTM) Project

It’s hard to believe but the population of North Down and Ards consume almost 55 million litres of water a day.

That water is currently provided via a number of local sources and treatment works at Holywood, Bangor, Comber Newtownards and Portaferry. This supply is supported by the old North Down Trunk Main which was built in 1952.

It’s a system that has served the area well over many years, but which has evolved based on old council boundaries and would require significant investment in order to comply with the latest European Water Directives.

The upgrade solution was looked at but not considered cost effective, instead the solution will be a new £16 million Strategic Trunk Main for the area.

Design work for the new North Down Strategic Trunk Main (NDSTM) began in October 2005 and the whole programme will be take just two years, due for completion in October 2007.

The project, undertaken in partnership with McNicholas Construction and designed by Mulholland & Doherty with Capita Symonds as Project Managers, is one aspect of an extensive programme of investment by northern ireland water, aimed to significantly improve the security and quality of water supply right across Northern Ireland by 2020.

The scheme involves laying 85km of new pipeline, including a 17km section of 800mm trunk main. The project is now well underway, with approximately 50km of the 85km now completed.

A lot of thought has gone into the route selection for the NDSTM and due regard has been taken of environmental factors such as areas of special scientific interest (ASSI’s) and locations populated with badger setts and other wildlife. Construction measures will also ensure that the impact on the environment is minimised; for example, excavated rock will be reused and steps will be taken to ensure no nesting birds are disrupted during construction. Archaeologists will also be present to ensure any archaeological finds or features are noted and relevant authorities informed.

All water from the Silent Valley reservoir is now treated by Ireland’s biggest water treatment works at Drumaroad in the Mournes and completion of the North Down Strategic Main will allow the decommissioning of the old local water sources.

It’s amazing to think that in very soon the population of North Down and Ards, all the way to Portaferry will be receiving 55 million litres of clean fresh Mourne water a day, which meets all the latest European Drinking Water Directives.