Water Treatment Upgrade For Sheffield

A pioneering water treatment facility, instrumental to the further upgrade of Sheffield’s drinking water, will feature HBPW’s engineering hallmark when it is finished next year.

Langsett Water Treatment Works in South Yorkshire receives its raw water from a nearby reservoir and, traditionally, has cleansed it using the Rapid Gravity Filter system (RGF).

However, more state-of-the-art methods, with considerably improved outcomes, are now available as Senior Engineer Shaun Strugnell explained: “We are working with Clugston to build a new Magnetic Ion Exchange (MIEX) facility on the same site, close to the existing one.

MIEX facility taking shape

“MIEX processes have the ability to reduce the Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) from water which, in turn, reduces the formation of harmful Disinfection By-products (DBPs) in the drinking water treatment plant.”

The new facility, measuring 38m by 22m, features a 7m deep basement containing the MIEX process equipment along with contactor storage chambers used for the treatment of the water.

“When the MIEX process centre is up and running,” said Shaun, “the two treatment facilities will work in tandem to ensure Langsett WTW is running at optimum output capacity.”

HBPW is leading the Civil & Structural engineering design on behalf of Clugston who are delivering the project for the Morgan Sindall and SWECO Joint Venture (MS2JV), created to complete the contract for end client, Yorkshire Water.

“Space restrictions on site have meant that concrete has had to be pumped in some considerable distance,” added Shaun. “However, despite any short-term technical challenges, all parties have worked well together to deliver what will clearly be a major asset for the people of Sheffield.”

Concrete is piped into the site