Crosshills Service Reservoir No.1
Overview
It is a critical asset for United Utilities as it provides ‘clean’ water storage for distribution to domestic and industrial customers and ensures security of supply during annual peak demand periods.
Eric Wright Water Ltd were appointed by United Utilities Plc as Principal Contractor to install and commission an ‘intelligent-lite’ membrane across the entire roof structure of the reservoir to prevent water ingress. The project involved the excavation and removal of the existing grass root system and topsoil (by hand) forming the overburden to the reservoir roof to allow the installation and commissioning the membrane system.
In tandem, a new surface water drainage pipe network was required for the top and perimeter of the service reservoir (including connection to the existing outfall pipework). Following the installation of an “intelligent-lite” membrane, the excavated overburden on the SR roof was reinstated and grass seeded.
Additional works included:
- Installation and grouting in-situ of (DWI approved) slip lined pipework to sections of the outlet pipework
- Excavation work to a section of the SR embankment to facilitate a survey of the existing inlet pipework.
Key Challenges
This meant that the only means available to remove and replace the overburden was by manual (hand) excavation techniques using shovels and wheelbarrows. As the contract was awarded in October and completed over the winter months, a key challenge was to ensure the safety (slips, trips and falls) and wellbeing of the workforce as the work progressed.
Added Value
Close review of the roof membrane options at tender stage and the identification of an ’intelligent-lite’ solution by our supply chain partners which afforded considerable savings to the client over the fully intelligent option.