Client
Wessex Water
Value
£260,000
Sectors & Services
Water Industry Concrete Repair Coatings Membranes Cleaning & Preparation Projects
In January 2007, CRL was awarded the contract to refurbish Bowden Service Reservoir near Chippenham, Wiltshire. This critical potable water asset consists of two compartments, and to maintain an uninterrupted supply to the local community, only one compartment could be taken offline at a time while the other remained live.
The reservoir required comprehensive internal and external refurbishment to address ageing concrete surfaces and ensure long-term durability. With a tight programme scheduled during the cold winter months of February and March, the project demanded precise planning and execution to meet strict operational, environmental, and quality requirements while minimising disruption to the water supply.
Internal concrete surface preparation and cleaning
External concrete repairs and defect reinstatement
Simultaneous internal and external refurbishment to live and offline compartments
Installation of purpose-built scaffold access for external works
Application of protective coatings to internal and external surfaces
Structural joint inspection and reinstatement
Temperature-controlled working to support cold-weather curing and coating application
CRL’s approach involved simultaneous refurbishment of both the internal and external compartments to adhere to the condensed programme while maintaining operational continuity. The works commenced with detailed surveys to assess the condition of concrete surfaces, joints, and roof areas, informing the repair methodology. Internal surfaces were prepared through mechanical cleaning and grit blasting to remove laitance, debris, and deteriorated concrete. Defective areas were repaired using DWI-approved concrete repair mortars, reinstating the structural integrity and providing a suitable substrate for protective coatings.
Externally, CRL operatives accessed the reservoir walls via purpose-built scaffold systems, enabling safe and sequential progression of repairs and coating applications. All works were carried out under temperature-controlled conditions to mitigate the effects of winter weather on concrete curing and coating adhesion. Simultaneous operations on the live compartment required careful segregation and the implementation of strict health and safety procedures to prevent contamination and maintain water quality. The coordinated programme allowed CRL to complete repairs efficiently without compromising the reservoir’s operational reliability.
“Delivering the Bowden Service Reservoir refurbishment required careful planning, close coordination and a disciplined approach to programme management. Working on a live asset, under winter conditions and within a very tight timeframe, the team successfully completed internal and external works in parallel while maintaining continuity of water supply."
Project Manager | CRL
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