Water Distribution

The water distribution network involves a huge, and generally unseen, range of installations. Not only the pipework, but pumps, surge control systems, water towers and service reservoirs. The water must be delivered at the right quality and pressure, with the demand varying wildly throughout the day and between seasons. Water quality, and particularly chlorine residual, will change with time and the variation in level across the supply area may be greater than the acceptable range of water pressure. We have been involved in the design and installation of water distribution systems for the last 15 years, including the water tower on the left, a 60 year old steel tank undergoing a structural inspection.

Water Mains
Our staff have been responsible for design and supervision of several hundred kilometres of water mains, from 80mm to 450mm, as well as much larger mains as part of irrigation projects.

Water Towers and Reservoirs
We have carried out programmes of hundreds of inspections of water retaining structures, leading to design and supervision of repair, renovation and, occasionally, demolition of the structure where necessary. Even where there is no immediate cause for concern, these structures are major assets to the water companies, and can only be taken out of service after careful planning. It is essential that the condition is known to plan future maintenance or replacement.

Large service reservoirs (over 25,000 m3 above ground level) come within the Reservoirs Act. We can provide suitably qualified staff for these appointments.

Pumping Systems
The cost of running a pump, even for one year, can exceed the cost of the pump. The reliability, and availability, of the pumps is crucial to the reliability of water supply. Our staff have designed, inspected and assessed pumping systems all over the world.