Water Main Upgrade in Ness, Isle of Lewis
Project Overview
We are investing approximately £4.5 million in improving water services in your community. This project includes upgrading around 15 km of water mains in Ness to help ensure a reliable supply of clear, fresh drinking water and to reduce the risk of future bursts.
Upgrade work commenced in October 2024, with the project duration revised to extend into 2026.
The work is being delivered by D. Mackay & Sons on behalf of our alliance partner, the Caledonia Water Alliance.
At A Glance
- £4.5 million investment
- 15km of water main to be renewed
- Work commenced November 2024 and will carry into 2026
- Delivered by D. Mackay & Sons
Project Update - November 2025
Construction at Port of Ness remains ongoing, with steady progress being made. Over the winter months, challenging weather conditions, minor design adjustments, and the need to manage traffic and property access along single-track routes have all had an impact on the project schedule.
The final completion date is now anticipated in 2026, later than initially planned.
Our team is exploring opportunities to accelerate upcoming tasks where feasible to help bring the end date forward slightly. We are grateful for the community’s continued patience and will keep residents updated as work progresses.
What To Expect?
Most of the work will be carried out on the verge next to the single track road, or in the road.
There will be roadworks during the dates. This may include the use of temporary traffic lights, localised road closures, and some access restrictions. Advance signage will be in place ahead of any work in roads.
Our site team will liaise with any customer whose access may be restricted during the work.
The work will be carried out on a rolling basis, as part of a wider programme. Please note, dates and durations are subject to change depending on progress of the work.
Route of the new water main
Map details the estimated route in which the new water main will be installed
Key for each of the above coloured markings:
- Turquoise/ cyan = Opencut method (this means we dig open the ground and replace the pipe)
- Red = Slipline method (we pull a new pipe through the existing pipe instead of digging it up)
- Dark blue = Existing main (no work required)
- Black = Sections of water main(s) to be abandoned/ decommissioned
- Light blue = Private main
