Caledonia Water alliance strengthening the wastewater network in Ayrshire
13th January 2025
Morrison Water Services, as part of the Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA), is undertaking a critical project to reinforce approximately 3km of water main between the towns of Saltcoats and Stevenston in North Ayrshire.
The original sewer rising main, installed over 30 years ago, has suffered multiple bursts throughout its lifespan. Recent investigations during repair works revealed significant ‘channelling’ along the invert of the pipe, highlighting the need for a long-term solution to prevent further bursts, protect local bathing waters, and safeguard a nearby pumping station.
To address these challenges with minimal disruption to the community, CWA quickly commenced work on a re-lining solution, avoiding more invasive methods that would have required extensive excavations. This approach ensured essential upgrades could be delivered efficiently and with minimal impact on local residents and businesses.
CWA prioritised maintaining community access while selecting a suitable location for the new pipeline. This included careful coordination to minimise disruption to a local golf course and caravan park. To achieve this, a trenchless solution was chosen, focusing on rehabilitating the first 1km of the water main, which had a history of frequent bursts.
To accelerate the rehabilitation process and maintain water supply, the team fast-tracked the installation of an overland bypass pipe via a rising main up-and-over bridge crossing. This solution ensured continuity of supply for residents, businesses, and the caravan park while allowing work to progress on the cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining.
CWA collaborated with Environmental Techniques, a specialist subcontractor, to design and install the overland bypass. The project employed no-dig techniques, limiting excavation to just five lining pits and two bypass pits, further reducing the impact on the surrounding area.
Reflecting on the project, Ross Grant, Project Manager, said: “A substantial effort was made by all involved to rehabilitate the main and have the bypass installed before the bathing season, especially given the challenges of accelerating such a large-scale project. The works will provide protection against additional bursts in the newly lined section for the design life of the liner.”
Phase one of the project, rehabilitating the most critical section of the main, was completed on time and before the start of the bathing season. Further work to strengthen the wider wastewater network is being undertaken this year, ensuring long-term resilience for the local water supply.
About the Caledonia Water Alliance
Caledonia Water (CWA) is a joint venture alliance between Morrison Water Services and Aecom, supporting the delivery of Scottish Water’s SR21 Capital Investment Programme. We are responsible for the delivery of a £700 million water and wastewater infrastructure programme across Scotland, over a six-year alliance framework.
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