Project Update 10/11/2025

Hi everyone,

We’ve made great progress on site this month:

• The main excavation for the cofferdam is now complete. We’ve started building a temporary reinforced concrete slab (called a propping or levelling slab). This slab will support the ground and provide a flat base for the new chlorine contact tank. It also helps strengthen the excavation so a large 135-ton crane can safely operate close to the edge.
• Most of this slab will stay in place and the tank will be built on top of it. However, a small 2-metre strip on one side will be removed after the tank is built, so we can return the leased land to the owner clear of materials.
• We’ve also finished modifying the drainage pipework under the roof of the GAC building.

What is GAC? 

GAC stands for Granular Activated Carbon. It’s a type of filter used in water treatment to remove things like chlorine, bad tastes, and odours. The GAC filters are located in the building opposite where we’re constructing the new tank.

At Birny Hill Pumping Station, pipework replacement is currently on hold while we wait for refurbished valves to return to site. Work is expected to restart at the end of October.

We’ve attached some progress photos and a timelapse of the excavation for you to view.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below and someone from the team will get back to you.