Future-proof water supply in the UK
Modernisation of the water infrastructure with increased operational reliability
In order to effectively meet the growing challenges of ageing water industry infrastructure and increasing population density in the UK, the water safety and optimisation project was initiated. This ambitious project is being implemented by Integrated Water Services (IWS) and Wilo in close cooperation with 12 leading water companies to secure the supply of water for over 34 million people. The focus is on the modernisation of deep drinking water wells in order to achieve greater operational reliability, energy efficiency and a reduction in operating costs.
Strategies to secure the water supply for the future
The ageing infrastructure in the UK has increasingly struggled with water leaks and operational failures, resulting in high costs, water spillages and fines from the water services regulation authority Ofwat. The project aims to identify and upgrade inefficient well systems to increase reliability, reduce operating costs, and maximise energy efficiency. This will not only secure the future supply of water, but also reduce CO2 emissions and provide a substantial return on investment.
Measures for operational safety and increased efficiency
As part of the project, 260 Wilo-Actun ZETOS borehole pumps in sizes 8, 10 and 12 inches were installed. The Wilo pumps are best-in-class and are coated with the innovative Ceram CT coating to increase energy efficiency and Ceram CP coating for optimal protection against ochre deposits. CT coating results in an average increase in hydraulic efficiency of more than 2% per pump, while CP coating provides five to six times longer uptime in areas with high ochre content.
A particular advantage of the Wilo-Actun ZETOS pump is its performance, which means that smaller pumps are capable of doing the same job as larger alternatives, with – among other benefits – lower wear rates, which means a longer operating life.
Technological innovation and precise integration by Wilo
Thanks to the comprehensive planning and product development by Wilo and IWS, the project was successfully implemented. The special design of the pumps with optimal adaptation to the conditions increases service life and reliability. The pump installation included individual performance tests. Thanks to our stringent standards and the high quality and performance of the pumps, the tight tolerances of ISO 9906-1E were met. With BS6920-ISO 17025 certification for all materials in contact with water, drinking water quality has been ensured. In addition, the individual diameter adjustment of the impellers optimises load efficiency and reduces engine load.
Long-term stability and ecological progress
The infrastructure upgrade will lead to a significant increase in the operational reliability and energy efficiency of the water supply in the UK. Pump failures have been reduced by 85%. The project contributes to the stability of water infrastructure and reduces environmental impact through significant CO2 savings. The partnership between Wilo and IWS has shown how targeted investments and innovative technology can sustainably secure the water supply for over 34 million people. This project therefore enables a reliable supply of drinking water for 50% of the British population and sends a strong signal for the future. It is an example of the responsible use of resources and the safeguarding of the drinking water supply for future generations.
Technical data and installed products
Project period: January 2022 to December 2028
Installed products: 260 Wilo-Actun ZETOS borehole pumps (models K8, K10, K12)
Flow: 15,753 litres per second
A total of 496 billion liters per year
Investment: £4.8 million in pumps
Energy savings: 44 million kWh
Cost savings: Annual savings of £10 million
CO2 reduction: 39,700 tons
Operational efficiency: 85% reduction in pump failures