SES Water resilience upgrade works have been completed in Box Hill following a £600,000 investment to restore critical storage capacity and improve the reliability of drinking water supply across the area.
The project focused on essential repairs to the Betchworth Tower freshwater storage tank, which had been identified as requiring significant structural improvements following inspections carried out in 2025.
During the works, customer supplies were temporarily redirected from Headley Pumping Station to ensure continuity of service while repairs were completed.
The investment forms part of SES Water’s ongoing programme to strengthen network resilience and maintain reliable supply for customers across its region.
SES Water resilience upgrade restores critical storage capacity
Work began in January 2026 and included structural repairs to the tank’s roof, replacement of the external covering, and reinstatement of full operational storage capacity.
Maintaining storage infrastructure is essential for managing peak demand, supporting pressure stability and ensuring resilience during supply interruptions or maintenance activities.
To minimise disruption, SES Water implemented interim operational measures, including reconfiguring the network to enable Headley Pumping Station to supply customers normally served by Betchworth Tower.
Pete Harris, Head of Production at SES Water, said: “We’re pleased to have completed this major investment to restore essential storage capacity and strengthen the network for the future. I’d like to thank our customers for their patience and understanding.
“Our teams have worked hard over many months to deliver these upgrades so our customers continue to receive a resilient supply of drinking water.”
Why water storage infrastructure upgrades matter
Water storage assets such as service reservoirs and towers play a critical role in maintaining supply reliability, particularly during peak demand or operational disruptions.
Upgrades to these assets improve system flexibility, reduce the risk of outages and help utilities respond more effectively to network pressures.
Across the UK, continued investment in storage, treatment and distribution infrastructure is essential to address ageing assets, population growth and climate-related challenges.
Projects like the Betchworth Tower upgrade demonstrate how targeted interventions can deliver immediate resilience benefits while supporting long-term network performance.
For more infrastructure and resilience news, visit our Water Management section.
