Integrated Water Services (IWS) Water Hygiene was contracted by a local authority to visit a primary school site and inspect four cold water storage tanks housed in plant rooms on the roof of the school. The storage tanks were constructed from galvanised steel and in a state of serious disrepair, exhibiting heavy corrosion and a considerable build-up of biofilm deposits, certainly not in line with current L8 and HSG 274 Legionella Control guidelines.

IWS submitted its report to the local authority and was tasked with undertaking a project to remove the existing tanks and replace them with new WRAS approved cold water storage tanks.

Consideration had to be given to the location of each of the tanks. Being on the roof, edge protection measures had to be installed prior to works, including fixed ladders and edge rails, which would aid future inspections and maintenance of the new tanks.  The work also had to be completed during a short bank holiday to avoid any disruption to lessons.

Each of the old tanks were carefully taken apart into manageable sections and removed from site. The area was then cleared and made ready for the installation of the new GRP tanks.  IWS specialist engineers constructed each new tank in line with current regulations and bylaws, cleaning the internal surfacing and downstream pipework prior to commissioning and putting the water systems back into use.

The local authority and the primary school were delighted with both the new installations and the professional manner in which IWS navigated the logistical challenges associated with the project and execution of works in a pressing timeframe.