Do I need an adoptable pump station?
Sewer Sector Guidance (SSG) is a set of published texts that contains guidance for the design and construction of sewers and pump stations. SSG replaced Sewers for Adoption (SFA) in 2020.
Each sewerage undertaker then has a set of their own published addendums that contain guidance on their specified requirements.
As these pump stations are often offered for adoption to the relevant water authority, the cost of maintenance is ultimately taken on by them.
What can Willow Pumps offer you?
We work closely with all parties from the enquiry stage through to final handover to ensure a smooth transition. Through regular discussions with the water companies, we are aware of their specific requirements and have tailored the layout of our technical submission to meet these.
We offer the following specifications:
Anglian Water (SSG)
Southern water (SSG)
Generic SFA 6 & 7 & SSG Designs
Thames Water (SSG)
ICOSA Water (SFA 6)
United utilities (SSG)
Independent Water Networks (SFA6)
Veolia water (SFA 7)
Northumbrian water (SSG)
Welsh Water Dwr Cymru (SSG)
Severn Trent services (SFA)
Wessex water (SSG)
Severn Trent water (SSG)
Yorkshire Water (SSG)
South West Water (SSG)
Septicity calcs & surge analysis
The Process
On receipt of an enquiry, we will review the information and produce a preliminary quotation. This will clarify any additional details we may require to issue a confirmed quotation, along with the relevant calculations and equipment specification.
If nominated to provide the design, we will require the following information in PDF & DWG format where applicable:
- Site/drainage layout drawings
- Manhole schedule
- Long section of the rising main
- Development size
- If not present, confirmation of lowest connecting private lateral/first point of flood
On receipt of this we will proceed with the design. The typical turn around for this is 2-3 weeks. We will then issue the design for inclusion within your Section 104 application. The submission will include the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) technical specification for the pump station, including layout drawings and control panel wiring diagrams.
On receipt of approval, we will update our quotation in line with the latest design and provide this for your review. If you wish to proceed with Willow Pumps for the installation then we will begin procuring the equipment. The typical lead time for equipment is:
- First fix 3-4 weeks
- Second fix 8-10 weeks
- Commissioning 10-12 weeks
Once the chambers have been constructed, we would send out a member of our contracts team for a prestart meeting. At this point, they will check the chambers are ready for installation. Once this has been confirmed and any required changes have been addressed, we would proceed with arranging the first fix.
First fix
The first fix involves the installation of the pipework, valves and earth bonding. Unless the valve chamber drain is required to be cast in the compound, we will also install the valve chamber drain.
Following on from the installation of the pipework, the following tasks would need to be completed:
- Installation of permanent pipework supports, benching of all the chambers in line with SFA.
- Making good the surrounding ground and construction of the compound.
- Installation of any ancillary items, such as ladders.
- Construction of the kiosk plinth and installation of the kiosk and any intermediate kiosks /draw pits.
It is vital that you ensure benching is completed prior to the system being live. This will help prevent blockages and ensure smoother operation of the pumps. If it is not done at this stage, then problems will occur at the adoption stage, where the ground worker may not necessarily be on site to bench the system.
Second fix
Once complete, we will begin the second fix. This involves installation of the pumps and control equipment, pulling through the cables and commissioning of the system. If a permanent power supply is unavailable, then a return visit will be required to commission the system.
Depending on the water authority, we can organise the telemetry at the developer’s cost. This would then be installed and setup.
In the interim period before adoption, it is highly recommended that a maintenance contract is taken out. This promotes smooth operation of the pump station and ensures any issues and downtime are addressed with minimal impact to the residents.
Prior to pre-adoption/handover, we will come to the site and carry out our own snagging list on the pump station. This identifies any additional items that would need to be rectified prior to handover. We would provide a price for any additional items outside of our original scope that are within our capabilities. This is done to speed up the process at the handover stage.
We will meet with you and the relevant authority on the site during the handover stage. At this point, the water company will inspect the equipment and compound and comment on any issues that may need to be addressed. They will also test the equipment. If flows are unavailable, then a suitable supply of potable water will be required.
