Case Studies

Ensuring Network Performance & Water Quality at Honey Hill

Challenge

  • Ageing 300mm cast iron cement-lined water main, originally installed in 1922
  • Pipe taken out of supply due to sediment build-up and discolouration risk
  • Need to restore water quality, pressure and flow without disruptive excavation
  • Operating within restricted access using existing hydrants and valves only
  • Maintaining safety of both the asset and operatives throughout the cleaning process

Solution

  • Deployed Comprex® Impulse cleaning technology to deliver a non-invasive pipe clean
  • Utilised existing hydrant and valve access points, eliminating the need for extensive setup
  • Completed works within standard operational windows to minimise disruption
  • Continuously monitored water quality through sampling to track cleaning progress
  • Used a digitally controlled system to ensure safe pressure levels and provide transparent monitoring and reporting
  • Efficiently removed biofilms, sediment, and deposits including manganese, iron and aluminium

Outcome

  • Successfully cleaned 2,000m of pipeline in under one day
  • Restored pipe to full working order with improved pressure and flow performance
  • Achieved compliant turbidity levels of 2.2 NTU (below 2.5 NTU target)
  • Returned the asset to service safely with zero incidents
  • Delivered a fast, effective solution with positive feedback from site teams
Ensuring Network Performance & Water Quality at Honey Hill

Project Location

Honey Hill, Northumberland National Park

Client

Northumbrian Water

Description

IES Utilities Group successfully delivered a Comprex® Impulse cleaning project for Northumbrian Water on a 300mm cast iron cement-lined trunk main at Honey Hill. Installed in 1922 and taken out of supply due to sediment and discolouration risks, the asset required a safe and efficient restoration method. Using advanced impulse cleaning technology, the team completed a full clean of the 2,000 metre section in under a day, operating entirely through existing access points. The digital control system ensured safe operating pressures while providing real-time monitoring and reporting throughout the process. The project restored water quality, pressure and flow, demonstrating IES Utilities Group’s ability to deliver innovative, low-disruption solutions for ageing water infrastructure in sensitive environments.

Key Stats

  • 2,000m of 300mm water main cleaned
  • Completed in under one day
  • Turbidity reduced to 2.2 NTU (compliant)
  • No excavation or major setup required

Project Delivered

June 2025

Get in touch

To talk to our project management team:

0161 791 1496 | info@iesutilities.co.uk