WaterProjectsOnline

JUST PUBLISHED: Westerton Booster Station & Rising Main New case study demonstrating that successful infrastructure delivery is often defined not by a single asset, but by how engineering teams manage uncertainty, risk and buildability. The Westerton Booster Station & Rising Main project replaced a constrained single-cell service reservoir with a new four-pump potable water booster station, approximately 800m of rising main and associated network infrastructure, improving long-term resilience and maintainability for customers across Westerton Village, Coundon, Ferryhill and Kirk Merrington. A major challenge was the presence of ageing buried infrastructure with incomplete asset records and limited opportunities for intrusive investigation. Rather than treating these unknowns as obstacles, the project team adopted a structured risk-based approach, identifying key assumptions, maintaining design flexibility and engaging operations teams early to inform critical decisions. One of the standout examples came at Kirk Merrington PRV, where designers, site engineers, operatives and project management staff collaborated during a 90-minute field design sprint. Existing pipework was exposed, GPS surveyed and modelled directly in AutoCAD on site, enabling full-scale valve arrangements to be tested, marked out and agreed before formal design issue. This transformed what could have become weeks of correspondence into a rapid, evidence-based engineering decision. The project also placed significant emphasis on buildability, maintainability and operational safety. Through collaboration with future operators, lifting strategies, chamber layouts, access arrangements and maintenance clearances were incorporated into the design from the outset. QR-linked digital job packs, equipment certification records, live RAMS and COSHH boards, together with welfare-area safety displays, ensured safety-critical information remained accessible at the point of work. Beyond delivering a resilient potable water supply solution, the project provides an important lesson for AMP8 delivery: success increasingly depends on how effectively teams convert uncertainty into informed engineering decisions, reducing risk before it reaches construction while improving safety, operational performance and customer outcomes. NWG (Northumbrian Water Group) Stantec Esh Group Retroflo GRUNDFOS KEN RODNEY CONSTRUCTION LTD egeplast UK MGF Keyline Civils Specialist Fluid Sealing & Engineering (FSE) CLA-VAL UK Read the full case study: https://lnkd.in/gtQuWE-A #waterindustry #engineering #infrastructure #utilities #amp8 #civilengineering #designmanagement #assetmanagement #operationalexcellence #projectdelivery #healthandsafety #innovation

JUST PUBLISHED: Garnswllt WwTW New case study detailing Mott MacDonald Bentley’s project for Welsh Water to meet Water Framework Directive requirements and reduce phosphorus concentrations in final effluent discharged to the Afon Llwchwr. The project requirements were to increase the works’ pass-forward flow capacity from 360 l/s to 431 l/s, to enable the site to better accommodate future population growth while reducing storm spill frequency and improving environmental performance. A key project element was the construction of a new 25m diameter primary settlement tank (PST) using a precast concrete system from Naylor Concrete Products Ltd. By applying lessons learned from other framework projects, the team more than doubled the anticipated installation rate while consistently achieving the demanding 5mm tolerance between 75 precast units. The innovative construction methodology proved so successful that it is now being used to inform future MMB standard design guidance. Additional works included a new PST feed pumping station, upgraded return and surplus activated sludge pumping systems, replacement siphon scraper bridges on two final settlement tanks, electrical upgrades, a new emergency generator and the construction of a replacement ecological pond. The project team also demonstrated significant carbon and cost savings. A grass-cell access road reduced embodied carbon by approximately 80%, while the beneficial reuse of 6,000 tonnes of excavated material avoided waste disposal, saving around £200,000 and approximately 20 tCO₂e. Despite challenging ground conditions, flooding risks and operational constraints, the scheme was delivered on programme and within budget, providing improved treatment performance, enhanced operational resilience and a future-ready wastewater treatment asset for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water and its customers. A strong collaboration between the client, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, the project delivery partner, Mott MacDonald Bentley | MMB, and its supply chain was required to ensure a successful project: JN Bentley Spencer Quantum Ltd Zone electrical ltd Whitland Engineering Ltd RSE Control Systems (GPS) Industrial GRP A & M Generators Limited Concrete Structures & Floors DD Engineering Ltd Naylor Concrete Products Ltd FP McCann Ltd Xylem Rotork Colloide SEEPEX Stuart Wells AVK UK Ltd MJ Wilson Group Limited Waste Water Manufacturing Siemens Siltbuster Ltd Groundtrax Systems Ltd Damien Aubouin Read the full case study: https://lnkd.in/gXZVdwmx #WaterIndustry #Wastewater #Engineering #Infrastructure #DfMA #CarbonReduction #WaterProjects #CivilEngineering #EnvironmentalEngineering #Sustainability #Innovation #AssetManagement

FEATURED COMPANY: Fishtek Ltd Fishtek has built a strong reputation for developing specialist engineering and consultancy services that help improve fish passage, protect aquatic environments, and support sustainable infrastructure projects. Their expertise spans fish and eel pass design, fisheries monitoring, hydropower, screening assessments, tidal gate solutions, and environmental impact assessments. The company's work highlights how thoughtful design and innovation can help balance operational requirements with long-term environmental benefits. Fishtek combine ecological understanding with engineering excellence. By working across water, wastewater, river, hydropower, and marine environments, the team develops solutions that enable critical infrastructure improvements while protecting and enhancing biodiversity. The company's portfolio includes projects ranging from fish passage schemes and river restoration initiatives to major infrastructure and environmental monitoring programmes. As the water industry continues to focus on sustainability, resilience, and environmental performance, Fishtek Ltd demonstrate the value of specialist expertise in delivering positive outcomes for both communities and ecosystems and show how innovation and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand to deliver practical solutions for the water sector. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/g3BEpJ5v #Fishtek #WaterIndustry #Sustainability #EnvironmentalEngineering #Biodiversity #FishPassage #WaterProjects #Innovation #Infrastructure #Environment #EelPasses

JUST PUBLISHED: Outstrays to Skeffling Managed Realignment Scheme Case study detailing a flagship coastal flood risk management and habitat creation project on the Humber Estuary to address the dual challenge of climate adaptation and environmental enhancement through integrated civil, hydraulic and ecological engineering.   The project involved the construction of approximately 5.5km of new setback coastal embankments and the controlled breaching of existing defences, creating 169 hectares of intertidal habitat and 75 hectares of freshwater wet grassland. More than 2 million tonnes of site-won material were reused across the scheme, significantly reducing both construction costs and embodied carbon while eliminating the need for imported fill. A major element of the project was the complete reconfiguration of the local drainage network and replacement of the existing Skeffling Pumping Station. Hydraulic modelling demonstrated that climate change and altered drainage pathways would increase flows to the pumping station, requiring an uplift in capacity from 2.40m³/s to 2.85m³/s. A new pumping station, located in a hydraulically optimised and flood-protected location, was constructed using three eel-friendly Archimedes screw pumps to provide long-term drainage resilience. Innovation was central to delivery. The scheme introduced the UK's first Open Stone Asphalt (OSA) eel pass, potentially the first globally, supporting compliance with eel migration regulations while maintaining flood defence performance. Additional innovations included a site-won sacrificial wave bund, GPS-enabled digital earthworks and immersive digital engagement using 3D models, VR and drone technology. Delivered on time and below budget, the scheme demonstrates how collaborative planning, advanced hydraulic modelling, nature-based solutions and digital engineering can successfully combine to deliver climate resilience, biodiversity gains, carbon reduction and lasting community value. This was made possible by close cooperation between the Environment Agency, the project delivery partner JBA Bentley and its supply chain: JBA Consulting JN Bentley ABPmer Ivor King-The Piling People Aquatic Control Engineering Landustrie Waterfront Fluid Controls APT Engineering RSE Control Systems (TCS) Southern & Redfern Industrial Solutions Ltd Actemium Bradshaw’s Electrical Ltd Hesselberg Erosion Protection Professional Soils Laboratory Ltd Central Alliance Pre-Construction Services Ltd Lankelma Ltd York Archaeology TIL-EX LIMITED Read the full case study: https://lnkd.in/gaC6UmYF #floodprotection #pumpingstation #habitatrestoration #eelscreens

JUST PUBLISHED: Shoscombe WRC New case study demonstrating how targeted infrastructure investment can deliver long-term environmental benefits with enhanced treatment performance, increased resilience, and compliance with both AMP7 and AMP8 regulatory requirements. Serving the rural parish of Shoscombe and surrounding catchment south of Bath, the scheme was driven by projected population growth, tighter discharge permit requirements, and future phosphorus removal obligations identified within the PR24 WINEP programme. The AMP7 phase increased the site's Full Flow to Treatment capacity from 10 l/s to 18 l/s and established a revised Dry Weather Flow permit of 308 m³/day, providing capacity beyond 2040. Key upgrades included a new offline inlet works arrangement featuring a Huber Ro9 screening unit, grit removal chamber, prefabricated pumping station, event duration monitoring equipment, and a significant expansion of storm storage capacity from 48 m³ to 165 m³. A major electrical upgrade delivered a new DNO supply, motor control centre, transformer infrastructure, and standby generation, ensuring operational resilience while maintaining continuous treatment throughout construction. To meet the AMP8 requirements, the scheme incorporated a dedicated ferric sulphate dosing system to facilitate phosphorus removal, together with new containment infrastructure, dosing controls, and monitoring systems. Sludge handling capabilities were also modernised through the installation of two 60 m³ glass-fused-to-steel storage tanks and a new automated desludging system. Despite significant constraints including restricted access, limited working space, challenging ground conditions, and the need to maintain uninterrupted operations, the project team successfully delivered the upgrade through collaborative planning, innovative design development, LiDAR-based modelling, off-site fabrication, and multidisciplinary engineering coordination. The completed scheme provides a future-ready treatment facility that improves environmental performance, enhances operational resilience, supports future growth, and contributes to improved water quality within the receiving watercourse. The successful delivery of the project required close cooperation between the design and construction team and its supply chain: YTL Construction UK Wessex Water BIMTek LIMITED BWC WES Ltd Matt Little Aqua Safety Showers International HAYES GFS LIMITED Goodwin Tanks Ltd ELIQUO HYDROK VEGA Level and Pressure Tork Site Services Rhopoint Metrology Ltd. egeplast UK Saint-Gobain PAM UK PIPES AND VALVES LTD Jade Insulation Ltd HUBER Technology UK & Ireland Xylem NOV GRUNDFOS REID Lifting Sabre Jetting Services Ltd Read the the full case study: https://lnkd.in/gb6hUtT7 #WaterIndustry #WastewaterTreatment #WaterRecycling #Infrastructure #Engineering #AMP7 #AMP8 #EnvironmentalEngineering #WINEP #Utilities #CivilEngineering #WaterQuality

JUST PUBLISHED: Enfield WwTP New case study demonstrating how nature-based solutions, when supported by robust engineering and operational planning, can deliver resilient, low-carbon infrastructure that meets both present-day treatment needs and long-term environmental goals. Located in County Meath, Ireland, the Enfield Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion has transformed a critical piece of wastewater infrastructure, increasing treatment capacity from 3,500 PE to 6,200 PE, with provisions for future expansion to 9,600 PE. Delivered on a live operational site adjacent to the River Blackwater, the project combined major civil, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and environmental works while maintaining uninterrupted treatment performance throughout construction. A defining feature of the scheme was the adoption of an innovative Sludge Drying Reed Bed (SDRB) system in place of conventional mechanical sludge dewatering. Following extensive feasibility and optioneering studies, the nature-based solution was selected for its long-term operational, environmental and economic benefits. The 11-bed SDRB installation provides approximately 3,000m² of sludge treatment capacity, using natural processes such as drainage, evapotranspiration and biological mineralisation to stabilise and dewater sludge. Alongside the reed beds, the project delivered two new final settlement tanks, upgraded pumping infrastructure, sludge import and handling facilities, SCADA integration, new MCCs, flood protection measures and trenchless pipeline crossings beneath the River Blackwater. The benefits extend far beyond increased treatment capacity. By eliminating routine mechanical dewatering and polymer dosing, the scheme significantly reduces operational complexity, energy consumption and maintenance requirements. It is also expected to remove around 155 HGV sludge transport movements annually, reducing carbon emissions and supporting Uisce Éireann's sustainability objectives. Delivering this sustainable wastewater treatment upgrade within a live operational treatment plant required careful planning, close collaboration and significant engineering expertise. The successful implementation of the nature-based sludge drying reed bed system, with its dependence on seasonal reed establishment, while commissioning a biological treatment process, required careful planning, collaboration and engineering expertise between Uisce Éireann Irish Water, Coffey and its supply chain partners. Wild Goose Enviro Ltd Julian Drapiewski AM Consulting Engineers Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd FH Wetland Systems Ltd Féidhlim Harty EMCA ECN Technologies SAVECO Environmental Limited Xylem Keltec Engineering Kevin O'Malley David Rynne Read the full case study: https://lnkd.in/g5T8pqcA #wastewater #waterindustry #infrastructure #sustainability #naturebasedsolutions #engineering #environmentalengineering #wastewatertreatment #innovation #netzero #civilengineering

COMING SOON: Dundee Emergency Drought Mitigation Programme Case study detailing Scottish Water’s evaluation of five potential schemes to strengthen future water resource resilience and reduce the risk of drought-related supply challenges under emergency conditions.   The Dundee Emergency Drought Mitigation Programme was developed by Scottish Water to address increasing drought vulnerability within the Backwater and Lintrathen Water Resource Zone, which supplies Dundee and the surrounding region. The system is currently in yield deficit, meaning severe multi-season drought conditions could result in insufficient raw water storage to meet demand.   Following prolonged rainfall deficits during 2024 and 2025, reservoir inflows fell significantly below expectations. The situation intensified in summer 2025 when an unprecedented algal bloom rendered Lintrathen Reservoir unavailable as a source, placing unprecedented pressure on Backwater Reservoir, which subsequently reached its lowest recorded level. Although exceptionally high rainfall in January 2026 restored storage, the events exposed critical vulnerabilities in both water quantity and water quality resilience.   To address these challenges, Scottish Water adopted an accelerated "blue light" delivery model that brought together operational, engineering, consulting, contracting, environmental and regulatory teams. This collaborative approach enabled rapid appraisal, design and delivery of multiple drought mitigation interventions.   Key projects included the River Isla Abstraction Scheme, which will preserve reservoir storage by replacing compensation releases with up to 18 MLD of river water; refurbishment of the Lintrathen Direct Pumping System to increase operational flexibility and enable alternative raw water transfers; and the development of algae mitigation measures including aeration systems and intake protection technologies. Additional options, including reinstatement of the Borrowfield Borehole and a strategic Tay Bridge interconnection, were thoroughly investigated but ultimately not progressed due to technical, operational and economic constraints.   The programme demonstrates how strategic planning, multidisciplinary collaboration and agile project delivery can accelerate critical infrastructure responses to climate-driven risks. The lessons learned provide a valuable framework for future drought resilience initiatives across Scotland while helping secure a more robust long-term water supply for communities served by the Dundee network.   AECOM AtkinsRéalis Morrison Construction RSE Selwood Ltd Ferrier Pumps Xylem Groundforce Flexidam Burnside Piling Ltd Pipeline Services Altrad Belle Blackwood Plant Hire Limited Forsyth of Denny GAP Group Limited Jarvie Plant Ltd Wernick Group Limited Trees4Scotland The full case study will be published later in August. #WaterResilience #DroughtManagement #WaterInfrastructure #ClimateAdaptation #ScottishWater #WaterResources

JUST PUBLISHED: Sindlesham & Bearwood WBS Phase 2 Continuation case study detailing Phase 2 of an asset reinforcement project designed to support significant planned growth within the Arborfield area. With over 3,500 new homes, multiple schools and community facilities being developed as part of the Arborfield Garrison expansion, network modelling identified that future peak demand would increase from approximately 85 l/s to 122 l/s. To maintain customer service levels and network resilience, major upgrades were undertaken at Bearwood WBS and the associated service reservoir infrastructure. The scheme replaced the existing booster station arrangement with four 22.5 kW axially split centrifugal pumps operating in a duty/assist/assist/standby configuration, delivering increased capacity and enhanced operational redundancy. A new 50 m³ surge vessel, duty/standby compressor system, replacement MCC, standby generator and upgraded power supply were installed to strengthen network protection and site resilience. One of the project's greatest challenges was maintaining continuous water supply throughout construction. Any prolonged outage at Bearwood WBS could have impacted customers within minutes. Detailed construction sequencing therefore enabled critical asset replacement, commissioning and changeover activities while keeping the network fully operational. A key engineering solution involved constructing a new reservoir outlet manifold and upsized pipework system, avoiding deep excavations in heavily congested areas and significantly reducing risks associated with existing services, traffic management and operational constraints. Innovative testing methodologies, under-pressure connections and temporary pumping arrangements further minimised customer risk during commissioning. The project also incorporated extensive SCADA integration, operational safeguards and a 14-day reliability trial before final asset switchover. Now fully operational, the upgraded facility provides increased capacity, greater resilience and long-term support for future development across the Arborfield region while maintaining secure, reliable water supplies for customers.   Successful delivery of the project required close cooperation between Thames Water, Ward and Burke and its supply chain: Brunel Surveys Hydraulic Analysis Group Limited Streamflow Engineering Pipeline Services Ltd LDC Electrics LTD Bilfinger UK MORGAN MARINE LTD MGF Quantum Engineering Developments R2M Ltd (Member of Hawle Austria Group ) SC Pipelines Ltd Saint-Gobain PAM UK Electrosteel UK Utiliqo Freeflow Pipesystems Paul Moore Aliaxis UK Pipeline Service Ltd WSM Associates Ltd Groundforce KSB Company AVK UK Ltd Bramley Engineering (Lifting Gear) Ltd ABB ifm Air Technology Systems DTGen Kilnbridge Tushingham Steel Fabricators FRAZER Technocover Ltd Rory Kelly Read the full case study: https://lnkd.in/g4tyHk8G #watersupply #pumpingstation

JUST PUBLISHED: Eela Water WTW New case study detailing the upgrade of Eela WTW in Shetland demonstrates how modern water infrastructure can be delivered through advanced modular construction, digital engineering, and low-carbon design. Originally commissioned in 1978, the works supplies drinking water to c. 5,400 customers and the Sullom Voe Oil Terminal. The upgrade has been designed to improve water quality, address long-standing manganese-related compliance challenges, and enhance resilience for future demand.   RSE is delivering the new 5.7 Ml/d ceramic membrane treatment facility using an off-site Design for Manufacture and Assembly approach. A total of 42 Transportable Treatment Units were manufactured and tested at RSE’s Muir of Ord facility before being transported to Shetland, significantly reducing on-site construction activity, programme risk, and carbon emissions.   At the heart of the treatment process is PWNT’s CeraMac C37 ceramic membrane system, providing high-performance microfiltration and a robust barrier against suspended solids, bacteria, and protozoa. Combined with inline coagulation, automated chemical dosing, limestone contactors, and on-site electrochlorination, the process delivers consistently high-quality drinking water while maintaining operational efficiency and resilience.   Digital delivery has played a key role. RSE’s BIM team developed a detailed 4D digital rehearsal using Autodesk Construction Cloud, enabling stakeholders to visualise installation sequences, improve coordination, and identify potential challenges before construction.   Sustainability has been embedded throughout the project. The modular treatment units have achieved a 17% reduction in embodied carbon through the use of low-carbon steel, recycled materials, and bolted construction techniques that support future reuse and decommissioning efficiency.   The project demonstrates how modular manufacturing, ceramic membrane technology, and digital engineering can combine to deliver a scalable, low-carbon, and future-ready solution for the water sector while improving water quality and long-term resilience for local communities and industry alike. Key to the successful delivery of the project is the close cooperation between the client, Scottish Water, the principal designer and contractor, RSE, and its supply chain partners: PWNT Sulzer Kerr Compressor Engineers (EK) Ltd FT Water Treatment Ltd ProMinent Group Georg Fischer Cleveland Steel & Tubes Ltd DH Stainless RSE Control Systems (GPS) Relinea Statiflo Group Ltd Street Crane SOCLA Bürkert Fluid Control Systems UK & Ireland Swan Analytical UK ABB Trafag Endress+Hauser Group Hach Process Instruments Pi ifm Siemens JR Whitehead 2000 Ltd Geberit UK TIS Hydraulics Ltd Schneider Electric Air Technology Systems Aqua Safety Showers International G.F. JOB LIMITED Malin Group Read the full case study: https://lnkd.in/evFVjTZj #watertreatment #ceramicmembrane

COMING SOON: Bidford-on-Avon STW Upgrade New case study demonstrating how early collaboration and integrated delivery can de-risk complex wastewater infrastructure upgrades while meeting increasingly demanding environmental standards. The upgrade of Severn Trent’s Bidford-on-Avon STW is progressing through construction following an extensive Early Contractor Involvement phase that reshaped the scheme’s technical solution and delivery strategy. Serving a population equivalent of approximately 8,300 and facing projected growth of around 20%, the site must also achieve tighter environmental permit requirements, including a 44.5% increase in Full Flow to Treatment, a new ammonia consent, and future phosphorus, iron, BOD and suspended solids limits. Following collaborative optioneering between Severn Trent and Mott MacDonald Bentley | MMB), the project evolved from a fixed-film biological treatment concept to an activated sludge process based around an oxidation ditch configuration. The change improved buildability, operational flexibility, programme confidence and overall value while addressing the site’s environmental and spatial constraints. A key feature of the project has been MMB’s integrated design and build model, with designers, construction specialists, operational teams and supply chain partners working as a single delivery team. Early supplier engagement informed asset layouts, structural designs, access arrangements and equipment interfaces, reducing risk and eliminating potential clashes before construction. Mott MacDonald Bentley | MMB RammSanderson Ecology Ltd FLI Precast Solutions Suprafilt Ltd TCL STRUCTURES (UK) Ltd Mectec Engineering NW Ltd Main Electrical Ltd SPIRAC Saint-Gobain PAM UK Electrosteel UK ANT ACCESS INTERNATIONAL LTD (incorporating European Platform Systems Ltd) AVK UK Ltd Xylem Stortec Engineering Ltd EPS Water UK HUBER Technology UK & Ireland Colloide ELIQUO HYDROK BGEN Ltd Dutypoint Industrial GRP SDS Infrastructure Goodwin Tanks Ltd TERRATANK Construction is now well advanced, with progress across the inlet works, oxidation ditch and final settlement tank areas. Ground investigations, service diversions and enabling works have generated valuable site intelligence that continues to inform design development and construction methodology. Careful planning has also enabled critical tie-ins and temporary infrastructure solutions to be delivered while maintaining uninterrupted treatment operations. As the scheme moves towards mechanical and electrical installation, focus is increasingly turning to phased commissioning and regulatory compliance. The project demonstrates how ECI, collaborative delivery and integrated engineering can create safer, more efficient and more resilient wastewater infrastructure while maintaining operational performance throughout construction. #WaterIndustry #Wastewater #Engineering #SewageTreatment #WaterProjects #EnvironmentalEngineering #CapitalDelivery #AMP8