Providing sustainable water solutions while ensuring future resilience and flexibility for the local network.

OCU has been providing leading water solutions for over 20 years. One of its most recent projects is the design, construction, delivery, and commissioning of a new 20ML (Mega Litre) service reservoir in Preston, Hitchin.

The project, delivered for Affinity Water, includes all associated pipework, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation control infrastructure of the reservoir. In addition, OCU is upgrading access roads, entrance points, landscaping and security features. MEICA works include conducting an electrical assessment and upgrading the site power infrastructure, implementing instrumentation and monitoring systems, and integrating sump pump and lifting equipment for maintenance.

The completed reservoir will add supplementary water storage to the network and improve water resilience as part of the AMP7 (Asset Management Period) capital investment programme. The OCU teams extensive experience of similar projects has seen a range of solutions used to ensure optimum delivery and enhanced results.

Digital and material innovation

Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) OCU’s team have provided advantages and enhancements across design, construction, customer service and the asset’s planned lifecycle.

BIM provides comprehensive information regarding pipework, valves, and other relevant components. This ensures seamless coordination with suppliers throughout the project.

Throughout the construction phase, BIM enabled informed decision-making for Affinity Water and other stakeholders. Particularly concerning access, egress, and future operational requirements; thereby enhancing efficiency and project outcomes.

OCU made use of best practice and experience from their many previous successful schemes, and engaged with their supply chain experts early in the project discussions. This led to the use of pre-cast concrete solutions as part of the construction process, which improved delivery, efficiency and safety.

Environmental enhancements

OCU’s teams are focused on addressing environmental considerations throughout all projects, to ensure compliance with regulations and standards – and wherever possible, identify sustainability enhancements.

The selection of this reservoir’s location and alignment was guided by the need to synchronise with existing reservoir operational levels while maintaining a zero net cut and fill balance.

Throughout the excavation stages, all materials were retained on-site for subsequent backfilling purposes. This proactive approach helped to maintain project timelines and ensure continuity of work, even during inclement weather conditions.

Various factors in the project plan minimised the need for extensive plant machinery and eliminated the need for material removals by lorries, easing the impact on the local community, and the environment.

About OCU Group

Our two decades of experience in the water industry has built a reputation for delivering the full spectrum of water and wastewater treatment projects, with turnkey solutions for design, installation and commissioning.

Our regular, reactive and emergency support is relied upon by a broad range of water companies all over the UK, with an efficient, effective and environmentally friendly water and wastewater service.

OCU is an innovative service provider in the utilities industry, operating on a national scale.

The Group delivers a wide range of client-focused business solutions throughout the UK and Ireland, working with a large blue-chip client base in all utility areas including Water, Power, Energy, Telecoms, Rail and Directional Drilling.