SOUTH East Water has apologised to motorists after a succession of burst water mains on the A31 Alton Road has led to repeated tailbacks over the past fortnight.

The busy dual-carriageway was flooded for the third time in quick succession during the evening rush hour on August 22 after a water pipe again burst opposite the entrance to the Farnham House Hotel.

Surrey Police were first on the scene and coned off a section of the A31, as the floodwater spread across both east and west-bound carriageways, causing considerable disruption.

South East Water regional network manager Steve Benton said: “We have had three bursts on different sections of the eight-inch diameter water main in Alton Road since July 26.

“The latest burst occurred on Monday, August 22, and we appreciate this caused disruption to traffic during rush hour and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

“Our teams were on site as quickly as possible to carry out the repair and enable return of full use of all carriageway lanes.”

South East Water dug up the same stretch of road in March to connect a new property to the water mains. However, Mr Benton added the latest incidents are unrelated.

“Unfortunately, emergencies like this do happen from time to time and sometimes in what can appear to be the same place,” he said.

“However, it’s difficult to explain why the bursts occurred as it could be a number of factors including ground movement caused by weather conditions, the age of the pipe, and the material the pipe is made from.

“The modern pipe we use today is more robust and less prone to leaking or bursting than some of the older ones which were laid years, maybe decades ago.

“After every incident the data we get from it is reviewed by our experts who prioritise which water mains should be replaced.

“They take into consideration the number of bursts and other factors, such as the interruption to water supply and traffic disruption caused.

“The company’s capital investment programme, which includes mains replacement, is agreed with the industry regulator Ofwat every five years and this section of the network will be included in our review process and a decision will be made as quickly as possible.”