D?r Cymru Welsh Water will be using a “cool” new technique to keep a first class water supply flowing to customers in West Wales.

The company will be using the innovative ‘ice pigging’ method to cleanse 10km of water pipes in the next few weeks as part of its major £21 million investment into the area’s drinking water system.

Customers in Aberbanc, Maes y Meillion and St Dogmaels will be among the first in Wales to have their pipes cleansed using the technique.

Ice pigging has been shown to be significantly more effective and less disruptive than other pipe cleaning methods to keep a safe and reliable supply of water direct to customers’ taps.

Ian Christie, Welsh Water’s managing director of water services said: “With some parts of the water network laid over a century ago, the time has come for us to undertake some essential work to cleanse the pipes.

“We are committed to providing our customers with a first class supply and our work here reflects this.

“Ice pigging involves injecting a pipe with a slushy ice material that gives the pipes a good once over inside.

“The ice travels through the pipes picking up any debris that may be in there.

“The method uses less water than flushing so we waste less and doesn’t involve any excavation so there is minimal impact on the local community and we keep costs down so we can do more to benefit customers.

Ceredigion County Councillor Mike James, who represents the St Dogmaels ward where the work is set to take place, said: “I very much welcome D?r Cymru‘s commitment to invest in the water supply network of the area.

“Whilst much of the work will focus within the community of St Dogmaels the benefits will be wide ranging and place our area in a far better position in relation to resilience of the water supply network.”

Mr Christie added: “While we are working in these areas, some customers may experience low water pressure or discoloured water.

“This is perfectly normal during work such as this and will clear if customers run the kitchen tap for a short period.”

Residents can find more information at dwrcymru.com.