Lochmaddy Water Treatment Works (WTW)

As part of Scottish Water’s £15m project to improve the water supply to customers in North Uist and Bayhead, RSE have completed the design, build and commissioning of the modular water Transportable Treatment Unit (TTU) for Lochmaddy to replace the existing water treatment facility on the island.

The project is the latest example of Scottish Water and RSE (Ross-shire Engineering) working together to produce the best possible solution and the highest water quality for their valued customers.

The Lochmaddy WTW is RSE’s largest Transportable Treatment Unit (TTU) built to date – housed within a two-storey building and consisting of 16 No. modular units.

Once fabrication was complete, the TTU was broken down into the 16 modules and transported 128 miles by road, then taken by ferry before assembly in North Uist. A 150-tonne crane also made the journey with the modules to North Uist limiting the impact on the environment by keeping the transport to a minimum with few journeys required.

More info on the journey can be found in the following article from the BBC – BBC Lochmaddy Article

The project value engineering process included directing and engaging local subcontractors to optimise the site location. This initiative minimised the visible impact of the works and allowed for the reuse of excavated rock, blasted when clearing the site, for the construction of access roads. Incorporating some of the traditional below ground structures such as the chlorine contactor into the modules enabled the provision of a simple foundation slab for construction.

Scottish Water project manager, Anoushka Ainslie-McAlpine, said:

“These deliveries represent an exciting milestone for this project which, once complete, will see a single, improved water supply in place for Scottish Water’s customers across North Uist and Berneray.”

“The way in which this project is being delivered is a great example of Scottish Water and Ross-shire Engineering working together in an innovative way to deliver lasting benefits for customers. Assembling and testing the water treatment works under factory conditions offers major advantages.”

The project was selected as the winner of the DfMA Project of the Year at the Water Industry Awards 2019 Congratulations to the teams and everyone involved in the project! Pictured below are representatives from both Scottish Water & RSE attending the awards presentation evening.

The Press and Journal covered the project in an article including comments from the local councillor discussing the benefits brought to the area thanks to the WTW. Read the article here – Press and Journal Lochmaddy WTW Article

The bespoke TTU achieved 8 months programme improvement and more than 30% cost efficiency thanks to each of the modular units being fabricated, assembled, tested and fully dry and wet commissioned prior to being transported to site.

RSE’s innovative modular water treatment solutions provide advantages such as –minimal disruption to local customers, programme efficiency & certainty, and HSE & environmental benefits from construction off-site in a factory environment.

With over three decades of knowledge and experience, RSE takes pride in being recognised as a centre of excellence for modular build products and innovative water treatment solutions.

Ross-shire Engineering working collaboratively with Scottish Water & NEC proposed various changes to the Lochmaddy WTW contract scope. These changes shortened the programme by 37% (11 months) and cut the capital cost by 49% (£11.4 million).

NEC have produced a case study of the project which can be viewed by clicking the following link – NEC Lochmaddy WTW Case Study

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