Temporary Stores

The problem:

All water companies have operated during tough weather incidents such as the Beast from the East, but how can we prepare for the similar incidents in the future?

During times like these, we have seen a significant increase in leaks along with travel and safety issues – meaning ODIs are heavily affected during this time.

The solution:

To implement temporary stores at some locations where it will take us longer to react because of a lack of satellite depots. The Information Services team at NWG compiled distance and DMA mapping to see large areas where it would take teams longer to react in harsh weather conditions.

Senior technicians were approached for CNS to compile a list of stores we can keep on site.

This includes 4”,6” and 9” pipe lengths along with couplings and repair clamps as well as signs and barriers so crews can replenish within a half hour turn around instead of over an hour.

This also provides a safer alternative to longer travelling distances in extreme weather.

Where we are today:

A pumping station in Grays, Essex that can house temporary stores on site was located. The team liaised with the area manager for production and had a site meeting to lay out plans for how this could progress. The team also spoke with logistics to have the equipment ready to be collected and delivered when advanced warnings of severe weather are received.

Plans for a roll out within the Anglian Water region are also being discussed.