Severn Trent has started work on an £11 million water pipeline project.
The upgrade scheme in Stroud, Gloucestershire will deliver drinking water to 55,000 people and will see 10 miles of new pipeline stretching from Whaddon to Minchinhampton reservoir.
Severn Trent said the project will help give better protection to thousands of homes from future leaks and bursts.
Phase one takes place in Amberley and will run until mid-October.
A further two phases are earmarked for completion by the end of November as work to lay a new water main continues back towards the A46 Bath Road.
The final phase, starting early next year, will connect the new-look network between Amberley and the reservoir.
Gareth Mead, senior community communications officer at Severn Trent, said: “This is a major investment for our customers in and around Stroud as we work to make sure customers have the most resilient and reliable water supply possible.
“We’ve spent a lot of valuable time talking and listening to the local community ahead of our work. It’s been crucial to get their input and feedback, as our customers are the local experts.
“Equally, it’s also been important to keep people updated and let them know about the temporary road closures and diversions which will be in place. Engineers from our contract partner Amey are aiming to complete the work as quickly and as safely as possible.
“We want to minimise disruption and would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience as we deliver Stroud’s biggest water pipeline upgrade for a generation.”
The Stroud scheme forms part of Severn Trent’s commitment to investing in its infrastructure which will see the equivalent of £1,300 invested for every home and business it serves in the five years to 2020, the company said.