Well rehab specialists restoring yield through brushing, acidizing, surging, and screen replacement.

    Find a Well Rehabilitation Provider

    Matched providers: 32

    Top countries: United Kingdom

    Category focus: Infrastructure, Networks & Equipment

    Water Well Rehabilitation: Pump Testing, Chemical Treatment, and Redevelopment Methods

    Water well rehabilitation restores declining yield, deteriorating water quality, or mechanical failures in boreholes and wells that serve as drinking water sources, industrial water supplies, or irrigation systems. Well performance declines due to: biofouling (iron-oxidising bacteria, Gallionella, Leptothrix, Sphaerotilus forming ochre deposits; sulphate-reducing bacteria, Desulfovibrio, producing H2S and corrosion); chemical incrustation (calcium carbonate, iron hydroxide, manganese dioxide, silica deposits on screen, gravel pack, and formation); physical clogging (fine sand, silt migration into gravel pack); pump wear and mechanical deterioration; casing corrosion (steel casing, EN ISO 14688-2 gravel pack requirements). Diagnostic assessment before rehabilitation: (1) Pumping test at multiple rates (step test or constant rate test per BS EN ISO 14686:2003) to determine current specific capacity (m3/h/m drawdown) vs original commissioning test; (2) CCTV downhole survey (mini-pan-tilt-zoom camera, 50 to 300 m depth, SD to 4K resolution) to identify incrustation, perforations, casing damage; (3) Flowmeter profiling (impeller or electromagnetic inflow meter lowered on cable) to identify productive zones and blocked sections; (4) Water quality sampling (physical, chemical, microbiological) to guide rehabilitation approach.

    Chemical rehabilitation methods dissolve and mobilise incrustations and biofouling from well screens and formation: acid treatment (hydrochloric acid, HCl, 10 to 15 percent solution; citric acid for carbonate scales; sulphamic acid for mixed iron-carbonate deposits) - acid reacts with calcium carbonate (CaCO3 + 2HCl yields CaCl2 + H2O + CO2) and iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl yields FeCl3 + 3H2O); acid inhibitor (phosphonate-based) is added to prevent casing corrosion during treatment; acid volume calculated to treat the screened zone (typically 50 to 200 L per metre of screen); contact time 4 to 12 hours; neutralisation and pumping to waste before returning to service. Biocide treatment: chlorination (sodium hypochlorite 50 to 500 mg/L Cl2, contact 4 to 24 hours) or hydrogen peroxide (3 to 12 percent H2O2) for iron-oxidising bacteria control; biocide applied before acid treatment to kill bacteria and de-encase ochre; dispersant (EDTA, citric acid, or proprietary dispersant) added to mobilise ochre cake. Sequenced chemical treatment: biocide + dispersant (4 to 12 hours) then acid (4 to 12 hours) then airlift pumping to remove mobilised deposits; repeat 2 to 3 cycles for heavily fouled wells. UK EA abstraction licence conditions may restrict discharge of acidic or highly chlorinated water during well rehabilitation - permit conditions must be checked before treatment.

    Physical rehabilitation methods surge and redevelop the well to restore gravel pack and formation permeability. Surging (surge block or compressor): a surge block (plunger fitted to drill string, slightly smaller than casing) is moved rapidly up and down, creating pressure surges that drive water in and out of the screen and gravel pack, dislodging loosened incrustation and fine particles; compressor surging (air injection below screen) creates high-velocity upflow that removes fine material; high-pressure jetting (10 to 70 MPa water jet from rotating jetting tool lowered on drill string): directly impacts screen and incrustation with high-velocity water, breaking and removing deposits. Borehole redevelopment: removing accumulated fine material from gravel pack by airlift pumping or compressed air surging; critical for borehole in sands and gravels where fine migration has blocked inter-granular pores. Mechanical brushing (PIG or brush on drill string): removes soft deposits from casing and screen interior; pre-treatment before acid. Pump replacement: submersible pump efficiency declines with wear (impeller wear, seal failure); pump test (discharge rate vs head curve measured in-situ) compared to original manufacturer curve; replace when efficiency loss exceeds 20 to 25 percent or when flow requirement cannot be met. Lead pump suppliers for borehole rehabilitation: Grundfos SP series, Franklin Electric, Xylem Lowara, KSB.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you know when a water well needs rehabilitation?

    Signs that indicate well rehabilitation is needed: (1) Declining specific capacity: pumping test showing specific capacity (flow rate per unit drawdown) has declined greater than 20 to 25 percent vs original commissioning data; compare current pump test results to baseline; (2) Reduced yield: pump can no longer maintain target flow rate without excessive drawdown (pump cavitation risk); (3) Water quality deterioration: increasing iron (greater than 0.2 mg/L), manganese, turbidity, or bacterial count indicating biological and chemical fouling; H2S odour indicating sulphate-reducing bacteria; (4) Increased energy consumption: pump running higher head (more electrical current draw) at same flow rate, indicating well loss (casing, screen or formation resistance increase); (5) CCTV inspection showing: incrustation visible on screen perforations; corrosion pitting on steel casing; ochre deposits in gravel pack zone; (6) Age: most boreholes require first rehabilitation after 5 to 15 years depending on groundwater chemistry and bacterial loading; scheduled rehabilitation at regular intervals (3 to 10 years) is more cost-effective than allowing severe fouling requiring more intensive treatment; (7) Downhole flowmeter showing: flow entering only from upper screen zones indicating blocking of lower zones. UK EA groundwater licences require metered abstraction; decline in licensed volume achievable without drawdown exceeding threshold is a regulatory trigger for assessment.

    What chemicals are used to rehabilitate water wells?

    Chemical rehabilitation agents for water wells: (1) Hydrochloric acid (HCl, 10 to 15 percent): dissolves calcium carbonate (calcite, aragonite) incrustation and iron hydroxide deposits; highly effective but must use corrosion inhibitor (phosphonate) to protect steel casing; generates CO2 gas during reaction - well must be vented; neutralisation required before pumping to drain; (2) Citric acid (2 to 5 percent): milder alternative to HCl for carbonate and some iron scales; safer handling; biodegradable; less effective for heavy incrustation; (3) Sulphamic acid (5 to 10 percent): effective for mixed iron-carbonate scales; less fuming than HCl; used in confined spaces; (4) EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 1 to 2 percent): chelating agent that solubilises iron and manganese at neutral pH without acid; slower acting but safe for potable use wells; selected when acid poses licensing risk; (5) Sodium hypochlorite (50 to 500 mg/L as Cl2): biocide for iron-oxidising bacteria; contact 4 to 24 hours; then pumped to waste; check EA permit allows chlorinated water discharge; (6) Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 3 to 10 percent): alternative biocide that decomposes to water, leaving no chemical residue; safe disposal; effective against ochre-forming bacteria; (7) Polyphosphate dispersant (1 to 2 percent): breaks down ochre cake by dispersing iron particles before removal; used in conjunction with biocide before acid step.

    How much does water well rehabilitation cost?

    Well rehabilitation costs (UK market, 2024): Mobilisation and site setup (rig, equipment, crane, disposal tankers): GBP 3,000 to 8,000. Downhole CCTV survey (pre and post rehabilitation): GBP 500 to 1,500 each. Chemical treatment (acid, biocide, dispersant materials + application): GBP 2,000 to 8,000 depending on well depth and fouling severity; typically 2 to 4 treatment cycles. Airlift/surge development and pumping to waste: GBP 2,000 to 5,000 (depends on disposal volume - EA discharge consent required; tanker to offsite disposal if watercourse discharge not permitted). High-pressure jetting: GBP 1,500 to 4,000 additional. Post-rehabilitation pump test (step test + 12 to 24 hour constant rate): GBP 1,000 to 2,500. Pump replacement (if required): Grundfos SP borehole pump DN 100 to DN 200, 10 to 50 m3/h: pump supply GBP 2,000 to 15,000 plus installation GBP 1,000 to 3,000. Total rehabilitation project cost range: GBP 10,000 to 40,000 for standard borehole rehabilitation without pump replacement; GBP 20,000 to 70,000 with pump replacement and extensive fouling. ROI compared to new borehole: new borehole drilling and completion: GBP 50,000 to 500,000 depending on depth and hydrogeology; rehabilitation at GBP 20,000 to 40,000 is highly cost-effective if it restores 80 percent or more of original yield; if rehabilitation achieves only 50 percent of original yield, new borehole assessment may be warranted.

    How long does water well rehabilitation take?

    Well rehabilitation duration depends on fouling severity, well depth, and method: Typical project timeline: Day 1: site mobilisation, downhole CCTV survey, step pump test to confirm current specific capacity and identify problem zones; Day 2 to 4: chemical treatment (biocide injection and contact, acid injection and contact - each step typically 4 to 12 hours; 2 to 3 treatment cycles); Day 5 to 6: airlift surging and development, high-pressure jetting if required; purging and pumping to waste (may require 24 to 48 hours of pumping to clear treatment chemicals and mobilised deposits); Day 7: post-rehabilitation pump test (step test + 12 to 24 hour constant rate test); CCTV survey post-treatment; water quality sampling. Total: 5 to 10 working days for a standard borehole rehabilitation project. Longer projects: deep wells (greater than 150 m), heavily fouled wells requiring 3+ treatment cycles, or wells requiring pump extraction and replacement may take 10 to 20 working days. Out-of-service period: borehole is out of supply during chemical treatment (contamination risk from acid/biocide); 5 to 10 days is manageable with abstraction from alternative boreholes or temporary supply; if the well is the sole source, temporary water supply must be arranged. EA notification: well rehabilitation typically notified to EA before work under groundwater permit conditions; EA may require pre and post water quality sampling for monitoring purposes.

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    Infrastructure, Networks & Equipment

    Well Rehabilitation Companies

    Well rehab specialists restoring yield through brushing, acidizing, surging, and screen replacement.

    32 providers

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    32 results from 32 matched providers

    JK Fabrications Ltd logo

    JK Fabrications Ltd

    United Kingdom

    With over 30 years of experience delivering expertise in the industry, JK Fabrications Ltd has become one of the front runners and will keep challenging ourselves and others to improve our Environment as we believe that; Our Environment, is our Future. At JK Fabrications, we are an engineering company that takes pride in our family roots, with an aim to continue to successfully grow our business. Our company values are incorporated into everything we carry out and we seek to work with like-minded companies. Established in 1998, JK Fabrications specialises in efficent, effective, and environmentally sensitive solutions to the Water Treatment, Waste Water, Waste to Energy, and Pharmaceuticals Industry. With over 30 years of experience delivering expertise in the industry, JK Fabrications has become one of the front runners and will keep challenging ourselves and others to improve our Environment as we believe that ‘Our Environment, is our Future’. With the ease of access to Northern Ireland’s principal motorway network and equal distance between both Belfast Airports and Dublin Airport, JK Fabrications’ 50,000 Sq/ft premises in Newry are the perfect location to produce and deliver your project. Design We have a fully equipped in-house design team with over 65 years of combined technical, manufacturing, and sector-specific experience, that are highly skilled and trained using the very latest design software. Manufacture We have built our reputation by producing specialised products for the waste-to-energy, wastewater, water treatment, and pharmaceutical industries. Our experienced welders and fabricators along with our state-of-the-art machinery make sure that each project is carried out to a high standard. Install We have an experienced installation team with a dedicated core team of engineers, mechanical fitters, and coded welders who have over 30 years of experience in the supply and installation of our fabricated products for a wide range of projects throughout the UK and Ireland. Commission Our experienced commissioning engineers will attend the site to oversee the installation of systems, plants, and equipment. They will commission, test, and optimise the equipment as well as provide the operators with operation and maintenance manuals. Products include: Stainless Steel Pipework | Stainless Steel Vessels (inc Pressure Vessels) | Mild Steel Pipework | Lamellas | Picket Fence Thickeners | Rectangular Bridge Scrapers | Half Bridge Scrapers | Conical Settlement Tanks

    Pipeline & Pipework Products
    Accreditations
    EB Critical Group logo

    EB Critical Group

    United Kingdom

    EB Critical Group comprises of two entities; EB Critical Engineering Services and EB Critical Compliance. Both teams are highly skilled and experienced and offer national coverage for the UK’s water industry. EB Critical Engineering Services offer engineering and operational support to the UK’s water industry and industrial sectors. The team specialise in supporting Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) projects and highly critical steam plants. offering services such as 24/7 shift based operational support and monitoring, Steam Boiler Water treatment as well as being distributors for products supplied by Grundfos and ARI-Armaturen. Services/ Products available: Multi-skilled Engineering and maintenance Process reviews and consultancy Water industry operational support (emergency packages available) Steam system operations and management Steam boiler water treatment Technical boiler house risk assessments Steam and hot water boiler hire solutions Distribution of associated sector products. EB Critical Compliance offer Fire Safety provisions and specialist consultancy services, helping clients achieve total compliance for their critical industrial assets. Services/ Products available: Fire Risk Assessments Fire Extinguisher Supply and Maintenance DSEAR Assessments Legionella Risk Assessments Noise Assessments Electrical Inspections Industrial Human Factors Consultancy and Training. General Health and Safety Consultancy and Training

    Renewables & Energy Management
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Headlight AI Limited logo

    Headlight AI Limited

    United Kingdom

    Headlight AI is a UK based technology company developing sensing, mapping, and inspection solutions for extreme environments. The company works primarily with Utility companies and contractors to provide condition assessment and geo-location data in subterranean locations, especially for large diameter assets (such as sewers, culverts, and tunnels with diameters >900mm), with a focus on autonomous or semi-autonomous systems that avoid the need for person-entry (in particular NC3 or NC4 confined space entry), improving workers’ health and safety. The company supplies its award winning product, Telesto, to utility companies and contractors in order for them to collect multi-sensor data, including LiDAR, on either robotic or floating platforms. The data is then processed to account for the motion of the system and to produce 3D point cloud and multi-image data for further analysis. Users can access the information via the web-based Telesto application, which provides condition assessment dashboards and statistics relevant to the asset, achieved using novel artificial intelligence (AI) models. The company currently has several other products and features in development to further assist with underground inspections and surveys, and provide new ways to navigate and locate in GPS-denied and extreme environments.

    Smart Water
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    PWNT logo

    PWNT

    United Kingdom

    PWNT, part of the Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI) group, delivers cutting-edge solutions and consultancy services to meet the diverse needs of water utilities worldwide. Building on PWN’s rich legacy, PWNT leverages over 100 years of expertise to drive innovation in water treatment, with a strong focus on drinking water. Our pioneering technologies, including SIX® (Suspended Ion Exchange), ILCA® (Inline Coagulation and Adsorption), and CeraMac® (Ceramic Membrane Microfiltration), offer efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective treatment solutions for various water sources, ensuring the delivery of high-quality drinking water. Beyond technology development, PWNT offers comprehensive consultancy services in the study, design, optimization, and integration of water treatment technologies. PWNT is well-equipped to provide expert guidance on both emerging and traditional processes, such as pellet softening, advanced oxidation, GAC filtration, and coagulation. With a strong global presence, PWNT has successfully implemented large-scale projects and pilot installations across the world. Our innovative technologies are trusted by water utilities for their ability to address complex water quality challenges and adapt to diverse environmental conditions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, PWNT continues to foster strong partnerships with leading universities and global companies, committed to advancing sustainable water treatment technologies and helping utilities achieve their water quality goals.

    Designers
    Stonbury logo

    Stonbury

    United Kingdom

    Stonbury is an agile, direct delivery specialist contractor to both the water industry and wider water environment, with an emphasis on delivering innovative, low carbon and high-quality reliable solutions. Currently holding over 30 Frameworks, we work with most of the UK’s water companies and the EA – either directly or through their major supply chains – to deliver high value, low carbon solutions across their asset estates. This includes works on potable water, wastewater treatment centres and nature-based ‘green’ and ‘grey’ solutions that deliver smart, low carbon environmental engineering. In recognition of the intensified global focus on the effects of carbon emissions and their impact on the climate and biodiversity we have reassessed our Purpose, Vision and Strategic Goals, putting sustainability at the heart of our culture and everything we do.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Anglian Water’s @one Alliance logo

    Anglian Water’s @one Alliance

    United Kingdom

    Anglian Water's Integrated Main Works Delivery Programme Anglian Water’s @one Alliance is an integral part of the Anglian Water ecosystem, delivering complex projects across the Water and Water Recycling network. Comprising 8 industry-leading organisations, each contributing specialised expertise, @one efficiently manages over 40% of Anglian Water’s capital delivery programme. Our partners are Anglian Water Asset Delivery, Balfour Beatty, Barhale, Binnies, Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB), Sweco, Skanska and MWH Treatment. Employees in the @one Alliance are employed across all our partner companies and work together to deliver complex programmes of work. Following the successful delivery of £1.2bn during AMP7, the @one Alliance is now set to deliver approximately £3bn of vital work as part of Anglian Water’s £11bn AMP8 business plan, covering around 750 projects over the next five years. Since our establishment in 2005, @one has grown to a team of over 1,600 employees. And with plans to welcome an additional 300-500 new team members over the next 12-18 months, the Alliance is set to expand even further. If this interests you, then take a look at our jobs page to see the options available to you!

    Networks - Water Supply
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Cadman Cranes Ltd logo

    Cadman Cranes Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Cadman Cranes is a leading provider of lifting solutions in the UK with over 50 years’ experience and a reputation for quality, reliability and safety. At the very forefront of sustainability within the industry, Cadman Cranes offer responsible and collaborative turn-key solutions across all industries. From depots in Colchester and Brentwood, Cadman is ideally positioned to cover the East of England and beyond, living and breathing its mission to provide safe lifting solutions to industry and communities in a collaborate, considerate and sustainable way. Cadman has always placed great importance on delivering so much more than just crane hire. Its values are focussed on the success of its clients, its people and its community, and it takes great pride in going the extra mile on every job, no matter how big or small. Cadman Cranes add value to your hard work and offer a full-service lifting solution that goes far beyond just crane hire. It doesn’t just look for customers, it looks for partnerships based on trust, quality and safety. Services include: Contract lift services: Our complete package service is ideal for those who require a fully managed lifting solution, removing your risk and liability, and ensuring that we deal with all of the ‘heavy lifting’. Crane hire services: Cadman Cranes is the leading crane rental company in the East of England, providing crane hire across London, Essex, East Anglia, and all over the UK. With cranes available 24/7, 365 days a year, we are well positioned to keep your operations moving. Tank clearance, dredging, and grab solutions: Cadman Cranes offers innovative tank clearance solutions with our custom-designed grab attachment. The remote-controlled grab, mounted to the hooks of our mobile cranes, can reach up to 60 meters and handle a variety of materials, including sewage waste, sludge, grit, mud, and sand. This service is ideal for wastewater treatment plants, sewage facilities, digester tanks, aeration tanks, ports, and any industrial sites that require regular tank cleaning, maintenance, or dredging. Specialist lifting equipment for utility installation projects: Utilising our range of specialist lifting equipment, we have assisted on some of the most complex utility installation projects throughout the East of England, solving problems currently unimaginable by other mobile crane hire companies. Our innovative Compact Crawler Cranes, in combination with our remote-controlled telescopic hydraulic grab, have proved invaluable in providing the highest level of service and crane hire to the utilities sector. If you would like to work with Cadman Cranes or are looking to add a safe and considerate crane hire solution to your list of approved suppliers, Cadman would love to hear from you.

    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd logo

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd

    United Kingdom

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd provide a wide spectrum of engineering services ranging from steel fabrication and CNC machining to cladding and civil engineering, with our highly experienced team we provide on-time, on-budget quality solutions. From our bases in Forres and Fort William, and a team accustomed to travel we can meet our client’s needs wherever required. Having worked on various water and wastewater treatment projects for the past 25 years we have developed a great working relationship with water companies across the UK. Our in-house capabilities allow us to offer a turnkey service to our clients from reactive maintenance and manufacturing to planned infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Many of the projects we undertake in the water sector are within water treatment and wastewater treatment plants where cleanliness is paramount, all our water sector site teams hold certification and Water Hygiene cards. Our range of services collated into one means that we can take on multiple discipline contracts and deliver them as one which provides our clients with a number of advantages. It removes the need to have multiple contractors on site at once. Benefits in cost savings passed down on procuring large amounts of steel for a side wide project. Little risk of dimensional discrepancies between contractors We work alongside framework delivery partners throughout the UK providing the services below; Steel portal frame buildings (design, fabrication, erection & cladding) Design, manufacture and installation of pipe bridges Design, manufacture and installation of site wide access metalwork (walkways, access stairs, ladders etc) Design, manufacture and installation of modular water buildings transportable by road. Design of various process tanks, pipework and pumps. Fabrication of tanks and pipework (stainless and carbon) Mechanical Installation Modular Treatment Buildings and Mechanical Fit-out SR2 rated steel enclosures (quicker than GRP Kiosks) We appreciate how important quality and cleanliness is in the water sector and we are proud that we have completely segregated facilities for stainless steel and carbon steel. In addition to this we are also approved under the regulations 31(4)(A) of the water supply regulations 2016 to supply stainless steel and pipework fabrications to the drinking water sector.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Gurney Environmental Ltd logo

    Gurney Environmental Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Gurney Environmental is a well established provider of systems and technologies used in the treatment of water and wastewater. From water supply to water re-use, we have designed and developed innovative, low cost and sustainable systems for the water and wastewater industries. Low CAPEX plus low OPEX equals low TOTEX. True sustainability is the benchmark for success with Gurney. We offer unique water and wastewater treatment systems, equipment and design including zero-to-low energy www and reservoir destratification systems. Our experience and knowledge of the water and wastewater treatment industries has successfully helped a wide variety of clients including major landowners (such as the Crown Estate) and many of the UK’s water utility companies. Our systems are today recognised internationally with a growing number of foreign municipals. Gurney has a total commitment to quality. Our systems and solutions represent the finest in long-term value, which is why we place such a strong emphasis on equipment with sturdy construction and fewer moving parts. Our commitment to a low total life cost is a key part of a commitment to quality.

    Treatment Process Technologies
    GEDA Construction logo

    GEDA Construction

    United Kingdom

    GEDA Construction is a leading Building and Civil Engineering Company. Our technical expertise coupled with a committed personal approach has contributed to our continued success in the delivery of high quality projects. Since the 1970’s GEDA has been providing a comprehensive building and civil engineering services offering construction excellence to private and public sector clients across the UK and Ireland. We specialise in water and wastewater infrastructure including reservoirs, water and wastewater treatment works, shafts, tunnels and pipelines as well as educational, residential, community and industrial markets. With expertise across a wide variety of disciplines, we provide our clients with innovative and imaginative solutions that meet their needs in a safe, sustainable and cost-effective way.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Drive Systems Limited logo

    Drive Systems Limited

    United Kingdom

    With over 35 years experience and knowledge of manufacturing variable speed electrical control systems, Drive Systems Ltd provide fixed and variable speed drives, control panels and will commission and install both the mechanical equipment and electrical supplies, as required. Drive Systems Limited is a wholly owned independent company founded in 1986 by its present directors to promote the use of packaged inverter drive systems into a wide range of industrial applications so that they could benefit from the flexibility of control and the large potential energy savings that this, then, emerging new technology could provide. Many areas of industry, from pet food manufacturers to woodworking machine makers and from the nuclear industry to the water companies became valued customers and benefited from bespoke packaged drive systems tailored to their specific application. The water companies soon became the source of the majority of the companies workload, with inverter based drive systems being developed for wet well submersible pump systems, rectangular bacteria bed distributors (both rope hauled and independently driven) and for circular filter bed distributor drives. This latter drive system, enjoying patent protection of its principles of operation, has been a huge success and over 2000 systems have been supplied into all of the UK`s Water Companies, as well as to numerous overseas locations. Drive Systems has recognised the need, not only to provide products and packaged control systems, but also to provide an installation and commissioning service which ensures optimised performance from the existing plant. Drive Systems site programme includes installation of both mechanical and electrical equipment on prepared foundations. The service is not complete without the inter connection of all items of equipment, including cables, cable trays and ducts, as required. Lighting, heating, ventilation are a natural extension of this work. Drive Systems can provide Fixed and variable speed drives for pumps and fans Control panels and cabinets designed for specific applications Percolating circular filter bed drives and control Percolating rectangular filter bed drives and control Complete installation both mechanical: cabling and electrical supplies Commissioning and test Servicing and repairs

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Quantum Engineering Developments Ltd logo

    Quantum Engineering Developments Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Quantum Engineering Developments Limited specialises in the design, construction installation and commissioning of surge control systems, compressed air systems and booster pump sets. Surge Control Systems Surge conditions, or ‘water hammer’ can occur due to starting or stopping a pump, or failures in the power supply, controls or valves. Quantum Engineering is the leading UK supplier of surge vessels and related control equipment for the alleviation of this effect. All systems can include a patented QUBE controller, developed especially for surge vessel and accumulator control in complex variable flow rate and multi-pump systems. Packaged Booster Pump Sets The company supplies booster sets suitable for applications in final effluent and potable water booster pumps for sewage and water treatment installations. Control Panels Quantum Engineering specialises in the construction of multi-compartment control panel suites to suit the requirements of most UK water authorities. Electrical control panels are available with relay, PLC and microprocessor controlled logic systems, including variable speed drives and soft start, as well as conventional DOL and STAR/DELTA starters. Accreditation All systems are factory tested in house, and are assembled and fitted to meet current statutory requirements, including UK pressure systems legislation and DWI Regulations 25 and 31. Recent Contracts QED supply and install surge vessels via both main contractors and direct with the end users, to nearly all of the UK water companies on both new and replacement/refurbishment projects. What can Quantum do for you today?

    Accreditations
    3rd Light Media Ltd logo

    3rd Light Media Ltd

    United Kingdom

    3rd Light Media provide technical documentation and design services for water and wastewater projects, both in the UK and internationally. We provide a range of documentation for projects, helping clients achieve their handover requirements and producing high quality documents which provide the end users with the information they need to operate and maintain the plants. We are a market leader in driving digital innovative solutions to our clients to ensure documentation is presented in new and dynamic ways, this includes development of web-based O&M manuals which can integrate with client I.T. systems such as SharePoint; Graphical design to enable data and documentation of assets on a site plan or P&ID to be available within just a few clicks of a button. Additionally, we have developed a QR coded asset tagging system and mobile App. Our services mean we can provide our clients with a single source for all handover documentation requirements. The services we can provide include: Operating and Maintenance Manuals (O&Ms) Site Operating Manual (SOM) Health & Safety Files Asset Data Registration Training Manuals Site Drawings (P&IDs, Process Flows, Site Layouts and Plans, GA’s, Single Line Diagrams and more) AutoCAD Drafting Services Additionally, we also provide a range of onsite services to further enhance being a one stop provider for all your project handover needs. Some of the onsite services we provide include: Asset Identification Tags (to meet all individual client specifications) Pipe Banding to BS1710 Site signage and labelling We also provide a range of design and pre-construction services, with experience when working with Tier 1 contractors at ECI / Outline Design stages of projects including: Functional Design Specifications Control Philosophies Factory Acceptance & Site Acceptance Tests for Software Testing Commissioning Plans and Sequencing Asset Condition Reports Verification Survey Works (Producing P&IDs, ICA and Electrical Design Proposals) We work as an integrated team with both contractors and clients to ensure all aspects of project handover are achieved to the highest standard. We are able to do this with our vast knowledge of individual water companies asset standards and specifications. We are also experienced in using portals such as TWEXnet, Asite, Aconex, Business Collaborator and Conject for uploading documents. Our team comprises of skilled and experienced site and process engineers with a vast knowledge of both water and wastewater treatment systems. Our team of engineers all hold EUSR Water Hygiene and CSCS cards as well as water company specific requirements such as the Thames Water Safety Passport. We also have an in-house graphic design team providing professionally drawn illustrations and drawings which are used within our documentation, helping to visualise written descriptions and processes. Our philosophy is to take the burden of producing documentation on projects away from our clients. Being skilled process engineers, we will visit sites to gather information and we work with your supply chain to coordinate the availability of all required documents and drawings, ensuring compliance with the end clients standards. We write all the technical content and detail to the highest standard, supported by expertly drawn diagrams and illustrations. Some of the water companies we have worked with include: Thames Water Affinity Water Yorkshire Water Southern Water Severn Trent South East Water United Utilities Welsh Water Bristol Water Essex & Suffolk Water Irish Water Haya Water We work both directly with water companies and Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors. We work on projects of all sizes, from minor schemes to major £100+ million projects.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Accreditations
    Bramley Engineering (Lifting Gear) Ltd logo

    Bramley Engineering (Lifting Gear) Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Bramley Engineering ltd was established in Ivinghoe in 1981 by John & Davina Bramley following John’s apprenticeship and early career in South Africa. Now based in Leighton Buzzard and run since 2007 by Graham and Emma Bramley the company remains a family run business encompassing a hardworking, fun, and fair working ethos that benefits our customers, suppliers, and staff. Over the last 40 years the company has evolved to ensure it meets health and safety requirements, is up to date with legislation and has safe working practices. We became ISO registered in 2004 following a large project for the nuclear power sector, we have continued to develop our systems as demands and in-house practices have required it. Bramley Engineering manufactures many forms of lifting equipment including overhead cranes, gantries, monorails, jib cranes and davits. We specialise in bespoke lifting solutions and have over the years provided solutions for many varied situations. Using the latest in CAD technology Graham continues to improve and adapt his knowledge to the needs of the customer. Our customers are many and varied and include the water industry for whom we have been working for twenty-five years, construction companies both large and small and the rail sector. In 2018 we won a contract to provide a grid system of 18 cranes in Lincoln for Siemens rail, this project saw us win our first award for ‘working as one’ with the customer. This award was greatly appreciated as not only did it show the customers appreciation it reminded us that our working practices and ethos are in line with ‘lifting your expectations’. We are members of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) whose knowledge and expertise are always on hand should we require assistance. They audit us annually and ensure we are up to date with latest legislation and that our working practices meet the needs of our customers. As well as the cranes and lifting solutions we provide LOLER examinations and sell all ‘below the hook’ lifting accessories. We have an online system that keeps records of all the equipment we have examined. Our customers can always have access to their certificates ensuring they are compliant with health and safety requirements. We hold stock of web and round slings, shackles and chain slings and welcome customers to visit our premises to discuss their needs. Bramley Engineering always welcome new and exciting challenges with both existing and new customers.  We relish the chance to expand our bespoke lifting portfolio and to use our extensive knowledge and innovative outlook to help others find their perfect lifting solution.  We are always striving to lift expectations.

    Contractors
    Overhead Cranes & Hoists
    Lynwood Civil Engineering Ltd logo

    Lynwood Civil Engineering Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Lynwood Civil Engineering is a leading water utilities & civil engineering company established over 20 years. Our head office is based in Bristol, providing services across the South West, South Wales & the Thames Valley to support our diverse range of clients across water utilities, local authorities, commercial and domestic customers. We take great pride in being highly knowledgeable experts within our field, and continually invest in our people, processes, plant and vehicles so that we can provide the highest possible standard of service. Our focus on water utilities has seen us build a wastewater and potable business which provides a range of services in repair and maintenance, both reactive and planned works as well as delivering water infrastructure schemes with deep dig expertise. Company Ethos As an established family run organisation, we maintain our core family values between our people, clients, suppliers, and the communities around us. Our streamlined organisational structure, combined with the experience of our Company Directors and other long-standing employees, has enabled the company to grow into an agile organisation that manages client relationships across multiple frameworks, contracts & projects. Health & Safety Health and safety has always been at the forefront of how we run our business. Whilst it is an integral part of working in our industry, we take pride in ensuring that health & safety is embedded in our culture. Quality & Assurance We operate as a people first business by investing in our workforce to ensure our teams have the support and qualifications required to exceed our clients’ expectations. We offer extensive development opportunities that enable our employees to grow with our business.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Hydro International logo

    Hydro International

    United Kingdom

    Hydro International, a CRH company,  provides advanced products, services and expertise to help municipal, industrial and construction customers to improve their water management processes, increase operational performance and reduce environmental impact. Hydro International can help water companies meet their AMP and environmental obligations, including the reduction of sewer overflows and the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). Hydro International provides total solutions for Inlet Works, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), Stormwater Management, Flood Warning and Prevention, and Water Resource management, from design to supply and installation through to ongoing preventative maintenance, servicing and emergency repair.  These solutions include: Hydrometric data collection, monitoring analysis and reporting for river level, reservoir, network and weather. Continuous water quality monitoring for compliance with Section 82 of the Environment Act. Water resource analysis and consultancy. Stormwater management solutions, including options for Sustainable Drainage Systems. (SuDS) and Smart Maintenance. CSO event duration monitoring. CSO and storm tank treatment and screening. Passive flow controls for flood prevention schemes, SuDS, CSOs and WwTWs. Inlet works screening and grit removal solutions. Sludge screening. Dropping sewage or water safely from height. Hire, repair and maintenance of inlet works screens and screenings handling equipment

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Aquability OPS Ltd logo

    Aquability OPS Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Aquability OPS Ltd was established in 2015 and is a leading technical consultancy providing optimised process solutions in the wastewater treatment industry. We are trusted partners of water companies, contractors and consultants and a member of British Water - the trade body representing the supply chain to government and the water companies. Director, Nicola Henderson is a chartered Chemical Engineer with over 27 years experience in the water industry and is one of the UK’s leading SBR experts. She is well known in the industry and previous tenures include Director of British Water and Chairman of British Water’s Technical Forum and Municipal Group. After graduating from Bath University in 1990 with a degree in Chemical & Bio Process Engineering, Nicola started her career in wastewater treatment at British Steel, responsible for the operation of their water and wastewater treatment systems. She then spent 24 years working in the design and build arena where she gained widespread experience in the water industry across a number of fields. Aquability OPS draw on Nicola’s extensive experience to offer technical expertise and bid support in both municipal and industrial wastewater treatment. We combine a mix of technical knowledge and practical application, providing comprehensive, tailored services across four areas to provide: Process expertise to solve our clients’ wastewater treatment challenges. Leading SBR expertise to ensure your SBR plant is a success. Commissioning and operational support for effective commissioning and trouble free operation. Bid support to develop innovative cost effective solutions, focused and persuasive bid writing and creative, engaging presentations. Our services help our customers to win work, build knowledge, reduce delivery and operating costs and avoid compliance issues. Our goal is to deliver successful outcomes for our Clients and develop trusting and long lasting relationships.

    Designers
    Technocover Ltd logo

    Technocover Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Technocover is an approved ISO 14001:2004 Environmental and ISO 9001:2008 Quality Accredited Company, dedicated to the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Physical Security Access Solutions for protection to all industrial sectors. Our extensive in-house design and manufacturing facilities are home to well established research and development unit and comprehensive testing facility. Our commercial offices incorporate our design team who utilise the latest computer aided design technology and work alongside our dedicated planning section who oversee everything from surveying, scheduling and contract reviews, to the management of framework agreements. We have been designing and manufacturing innovative steel products since 1993. In that time, through organic growth, planned expansion and acquisition, we have gained a reputation as the UK’s leading supplier of Physical Steel Security Access Products. We have a range of aperture security solutions for virtually every application, establishments in the UK and overseas have sought our expertise in providing security products for asset protection. We operate a Total Service Philosophy and can handle complete projects from site survey to final installation, whether for new or refurbishing projects, the adaptability of our galvanised steel access products means the most complex design criteria can be met. Our range of high quality access products offer custom built operational and security solutions to prevent unauthorised persons gaining access, securing key assets against all levels of trespass, malicious vandalism, theft, extortion, contamination or terrorism. Many of our access system products have been tested and approved by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB)  to LPS 1175 issue 5 or above, Security Rating Levels 2, 3, 4 or 5. Frameworks We hold both exclusive and shared framework agreements with most of the major UK water companies. Framework Security items include: LPCB Level 2 Universal Gas Cylinder Clamps LPCB Level 3 Mesh Cage Systems LPCB Level 3 Flush Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Upstand Access Covers LPCB Level 4 Padlockable Access Doors LPCB Level 4 Key Entry Doors LPCB Level 4 Enclosures/Kiosks/Cabinets LPCB Level 4 Walk-In Modular Buildings LPCB Level 4 Window Bar Sets LPCB Level 5 Louvres

    Security Solutions
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    AVK UK Ltd logo

    AVK UK Ltd

    United Kingdom

    AVK UK is part of the globally renowned AVK Group who are based in over 100+ countries and has over 4,500+ employees worldwide. The AVK Group is privately owned by the founder Niels Aage Kjaer, and is named after his father Aage Valdemar Kjaer. As part of the AVK Group, we pride ourselves in being one of the leading valve manufacturers for the water, sewage, firefighting, and gas industries. Our product program comprises a large range of valves, hydrants, pipe fittings and accessories, each complying with the highest standards of safety and durability. Our focus is on the products designed and manufactured to the British Standards, however, the AVK Group today offers products in accordance with the most national and international standards. Our product portfolio also includes AVK Smart Water Management valves and sensors for real-time network information and status. We also offer Pressure Management solutions such as air valves, PRVs, and control valves, AVK Assist which enables GPS product location and, the market leading Donkin PUR range of gas valves. Our UK sales offices and manufacturing sites respond quickly to the needs of our customers and for fittings required on an express or emergency service we have a dedicated same day 24/7 helpline – 0800 202 8228. In addition, we cooperate with local and national distributor partners to offer our customers AVK products as part of multi-product packages. AVK UK is the sales division and has offices in Staveley, near Chesterfield, also known as the home of Bryan Donkin gas valves, and Northampton. AVK in the UK comprises of 7 companies and has over 500 employees. Find out more here: https://www.avkuk.co.uk/en-gb/solutions-and-information/about/avk-in-the-uk/avk-uk

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Concrete Repairs Ltd logo

    Concrete Repairs Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Concrete Repairs Limited (CRL) is a specialist asset maintenance contractor who is here to help you with the inspection, repair & refurbishment of your concrete water assets. CRL provide comprehensive repair and refurbishment services tailored to the needs of the water and wastewater sector throughout the UK. These include the inspection, repair, refurbishment and upgrading of service reservoirs, contact tanks, water towers & wastewater treatment plants. With over 65 years of experience, CRL understands the importance of maintaining water quality and supply to customers. Therefore, when planning repairs, we prioritise effective programming of the work and optimal utilization of the assets being repaired. Our choice of repair methodologies and materials always reflects this commitment. At CRL, we pride ourselves on being a reliable partner to the water companies. We collaborate closely with them to identify problems early, quantify the necessary repairs, and establish a timeline for refurbishment. Throughout this process, we focus on ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of the assets. CRL provide proven and successful cost-effective repair and refurbishment options which meet our clients’ objectives of upgrading and increasing the life of their structures. CRL is capable of undertaking individual projects of up to £20M, either under competitive tender, or through Partnering/Framework arrangements. Our broad experience across various sectors ensures we deliver efficient, robust, and technically advanced services.

    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Sewer Inspections
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    Water Well Rehabilitation: Pump Testing, Chemical Treatment, and Redevelopment Methods

    Water well rehabilitation restores declining yield, deteriorating water quality, or mechanical failures in boreholes and wells that serve as drinking water sources, industrial water supplies, or irrigation systems. Well performance declines due to: biofouling (iron-oxidising bacteria, Gallionella, Leptothrix, Sphaerotilus forming ochre deposits; sulphate-reducing bacteria, Desulfovibrio, producing H2S and corrosion); chemical incrustation (calcium carbonate, iron hydroxide, manganese dioxide, silica deposits on screen, gravel pack, and formation); physical clogging (fine sand, silt migration into gravel pack); pump wear and mechanical deterioration; casing corrosion (steel casing, EN ISO 14688-2 gravel pack requirements). Diagnostic assessment before rehabilitation: (1) Pumping test at multiple rates (step test or constant rate test per BS EN ISO 14686:2003) to determine current specific capacity (m3/h/m drawdown) vs original commissioning test; (2) CCTV downhole survey (mini-pan-tilt-zoom camera, 50 to 300 m depth, SD to 4K resolution) to identify incrustation, perforations, casing damage; (3) Flowmeter profiling (impeller or electromagnetic inflow meter lowered on cable) to identify productive zones and blocked sections; (4) Water quality sampling (physical, chemical, microbiological) to guide rehabilitation approach.

    Chemical rehabilitation methods dissolve and mobilise incrustations and biofouling from well screens and formation: acid treatment (hydrochloric acid, HCl, 10 to 15 percent solution; citric acid for carbonate scales; sulphamic acid for mixed iron-carbonate deposits) - acid reacts with calcium carbonate (CaCO3 + 2HCl yields CaCl2 + H2O + CO2) and iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl yields FeCl3 + 3H2O); acid inhibitor (phosphonate-based) is added to prevent casing corrosion during treatment; acid volume calculated to treat the screened zone (typically 50 to 200 L per metre of screen); contact time 4 to 12 hours; neutralisation and pumping to waste before returning to service. Biocide treatment: chlorination (sodium hypochlorite 50 to 500 mg/L Cl2, contact 4 to 24 hours) or hydrogen peroxide (3 to 12 percent H2O2) for iron-oxidising bacteria control; biocide applied before acid treatment to kill bacteria and de-encase ochre; dispersant (EDTA, citric acid, or proprietary dispersant) added to mobilise ochre cake. Sequenced chemical treatment: biocide + dispersant (4 to 12 hours) then acid (4 to 12 hours) then airlift pumping to remove mobilised deposits; repeat 2 to 3 cycles for heavily fouled wells. UK EA abstraction licence conditions may restrict discharge of acidic or highly chlorinated water during well rehabilitation - permit conditions must be checked before treatment.

    Physical rehabilitation methods surge and redevelop the well to restore gravel pack and formation permeability. Surging (surge block or compressor): a surge block (plunger fitted to drill string, slightly smaller than casing) is moved rapidly up and down, creating pressure surges that drive water in and out of the screen and gravel pack, dislodging loosened incrustation and fine particles; compressor surging (air injection below screen) creates high-velocity upflow that removes fine material; high-pressure jetting (10 to 70 MPa water jet from rotating jetting tool lowered on drill string): directly impacts screen and incrustation with high-velocity water, breaking and removing deposits. Borehole redevelopment: removing accumulated fine material from gravel pack by airlift pumping or compressed air surging; critical for borehole in sands and gravels where fine migration has blocked inter-granular pores. Mechanical brushing (PIG or brush on drill string): removes soft deposits from casing and screen interior; pre-treatment before acid. Pump replacement: submersible pump efficiency declines with wear (impeller wear, seal failure); pump test (discharge rate vs head curve measured in-situ) compared to original manufacturer curve; replace when efficiency loss exceeds 20 to 25 percent or when flow requirement cannot be met. Lead pump suppliers for borehole rehabilitation: Grundfos SP series, Franklin Electric, Xylem Lowara, KSB.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you know when a water well needs rehabilitation?

    Signs that indicate well rehabilitation is needed: (1) Declining specific capacity: pumping test showing specific capacity (flow rate per unit drawdown) has declined greater than 20 to 25 percent vs original commissioning data; compare current pump test results to baseline; (2) Reduced yield: pump can no longer maintain target flow rate without excessive drawdown (pump cavitation risk); (3) Water quality deterioration: increasing iron (greater than 0.2 mg/L), manganese, turbidity, or bacterial count indicating biological and chemical fouling; H2S odour indicating sulphate-reducing bacteria; (4) Increased energy consumption: pump running higher head (more electrical current draw) at same flow rate, indicating well loss (casing, screen or formation resistance increase); (5) CCTV inspection showing: incrustation visible on screen perforations; corrosion pitting on steel casing; ochre deposits in gravel pack zone; (6) Age: most boreholes require first rehabilitation after 5 to 15 years depending on groundwater chemistry and bacterial loading; scheduled rehabilitation at regular intervals (3 to 10 years) is more cost-effective than allowing severe fouling requiring more intensive treatment; (7) Downhole flowmeter showing: flow entering only from upper screen zones indicating blocking of lower zones. UK EA groundwater licences require metered abstraction; decline in licensed volume achievable without drawdown exceeding threshold is a regulatory trigger for assessment.

    What chemicals are used to rehabilitate water wells?

    Chemical rehabilitation agents for water wells: (1) Hydrochloric acid (HCl, 10 to 15 percent): dissolves calcium carbonate (calcite, aragonite) incrustation and iron hydroxide deposits; highly effective but must use corrosion inhibitor (phosphonate) to protect steel casing; generates CO2 gas during reaction - well must be vented; neutralisation required before pumping to drain; (2) Citric acid (2 to 5 percent): milder alternative to HCl for carbonate and some iron scales; safer handling; biodegradable; less effective for heavy incrustation; (3) Sulphamic acid (5 to 10 percent): effective for mixed iron-carbonate scales; less fuming than HCl; used in confined spaces; (4) EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 1 to 2 percent): chelating agent that solubilises iron and manganese at neutral pH without acid; slower acting but safe for potable use wells; selected when acid poses licensing risk; (5) Sodium hypochlorite (50 to 500 mg/L as Cl2): biocide for iron-oxidising bacteria; contact 4 to 24 hours; then pumped to waste; check EA permit allows chlorinated water discharge; (6) Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 3 to 10 percent): alternative biocide that decomposes to water, leaving no chemical residue; safe disposal; effective against ochre-forming bacteria; (7) Polyphosphate dispersant (1 to 2 percent): breaks down ochre cake by dispersing iron particles before removal; used in conjunction with biocide before acid step.

    How much does water well rehabilitation cost?

    Well rehabilitation costs (UK market, 2024): Mobilisation and site setup (rig, equipment, crane, disposal tankers): GBP 3,000 to 8,000. Downhole CCTV survey (pre and post rehabilitation): GBP 500 to 1,500 each. Chemical treatment (acid, biocide, dispersant materials + application): GBP 2,000 to 8,000 depending on well depth and fouling severity; typically 2 to 4 treatment cycles. Airlift/surge development and pumping to waste: GBP 2,000 to 5,000 (depends on disposal volume - EA discharge consent required; tanker to offsite disposal if watercourse discharge not permitted). High-pressure jetting: GBP 1,500 to 4,000 additional. Post-rehabilitation pump test (step test + 12 to 24 hour constant rate): GBP 1,000 to 2,500. Pump replacement (if required): Grundfos SP borehole pump DN 100 to DN 200, 10 to 50 m3/h: pump supply GBP 2,000 to 15,000 plus installation GBP 1,000 to 3,000. Total rehabilitation project cost range: GBP 10,000 to 40,000 for standard borehole rehabilitation without pump replacement; GBP 20,000 to 70,000 with pump replacement and extensive fouling. ROI compared to new borehole: new borehole drilling and completion: GBP 50,000 to 500,000 depending on depth and hydrogeology; rehabilitation at GBP 20,000 to 40,000 is highly cost-effective if it restores 80 percent or more of original yield; if rehabilitation achieves only 50 percent of original yield, new borehole assessment may be warranted.

    How long does water well rehabilitation take?

    Well rehabilitation duration depends on fouling severity, well depth, and method: Typical project timeline: Day 1: site mobilisation, downhole CCTV survey, step pump test to confirm current specific capacity and identify problem zones; Day 2 to 4: chemical treatment (biocide injection and contact, acid injection and contact - each step typically 4 to 12 hours; 2 to 3 treatment cycles); Day 5 to 6: airlift surging and development, high-pressure jetting if required; purging and pumping to waste (may require 24 to 48 hours of pumping to clear treatment chemicals and mobilised deposits); Day 7: post-rehabilitation pump test (step test + 12 to 24 hour constant rate test); CCTV survey post-treatment; water quality sampling. Total: 5 to 10 working days for a standard borehole rehabilitation project. Longer projects: deep wells (greater than 150 m), heavily fouled wells requiring 3+ treatment cycles, or wells requiring pump extraction and replacement may take 10 to 20 working days. Out-of-service period: borehole is out of supply during chemical treatment (contamination risk from acid/biocide); 5 to 10 days is manageable with abstraction from alternative boreholes or temporary supply; if the well is the sole source, temporary water supply must be arranged. EA notification: well rehabilitation typically notified to EA before work under groundwater permit conditions; EA may require pre and post water quality sampling for monitoring purposes.

    Case Study·Agriculture and rural water supply
    Challenge

    A fruit farm cooperative in Kent abstracted from a 95 m chalk borehole licensed at 450 m3/day. By year 12 specific capacity had fallen from 38 m3/h/m to 14 m3/h/m and iron in the raw water had risen to 4.2 mg/L, compromising irrigation scheduling and triggering abstraction licence non-compliance during the summer peak.

    Approach

    A hydrogeologist conducted a step-draw-down test and downhole CCTV survey, confirming ochre deposits across the lower 30 m of screen. A three-cycle rehabilitation programme applied sodium hypochlorite (200 mg/L) followed by citric acid (4 percent) and EDTA dispersant, with high-pressure rotary jetting between cycles. A post-rehabilitation Grundfos SP17-18 replacement pump was installed, reducing running head by 8 m.

    Outcome

    Specific capacity recovered to 31 m3/h/m (82 percent of original), iron fell to 0.18 mg/L, and the farm sustained full licensed abstraction through the following two dry summers. Total rehabilitation cost was GBP 34,000 versus GBP 190,000 for a new borehole in comparable chalk.

    Questions to Ask Shortlisted Providers

    1. 1

      What baseline pump test and CCTV data will you compare against pre-rehabilitation figures?

      Without a pre-rehabilitation baseline, there is no objective measure of how much specific capacity has been recovered or whether another treatment cycle is warranted.

    2. 2

      Which chemical agents do you plan to use and have you checked our EA abstraction licence for discharge conditions?

      Hydrochloric acid and high-concentration hypochlorite cannot be pumped to an unprotected watercourse; confirmation before mobilisation avoids delays and EA enforcement.

    3. 3

      How many treatment cycles are included in your fixed price, and what triggers a day-rate extension?

      Heavily fouled wells often require a third or fourth cycle; knowing the cost boundary prevents budget surprises mid-project.

    4. 4

      What is your protocol if CCTV reveals casing damage or perforated zones that are irrecoverable?

      Irreparable structural damage changes the economic calculus entirely; you need a clear decision tree before mobilising expensive plant.

    5. 5

      Will you provide a post-rehabilitation pump test report to the format required for EA annual abstraction returns?

      EA reporting requires documented specific capacity data; a properly formatted report from the contractor avoids a costly re-survey.

    What Drives Cost in This Category

    Well depth and pump extraction

    Extracting and reinstalling a submersible pump from 100+ m adds GBP 2,000 to 5,000 in crane time and rope-work; deeper wells with larger shaft diameters require heavier lifting equipment.

    Number of chemical treatment cycles

    Each acid-biocide cycle costs GBP 1,500 to 3,000 in chemical materials and contact time; heavily fouled wells may need three to four cycles, doubling baseline chemical costs.

    Pumping to waste and off-site disposal

    Acidic or chlorinated purge water that cannot be discharged to a watercourse must be tankered off-site at GBP 60 to 120 per m3; a deep well purge of 200 m3 can add GBP 12,000 to 24,000 alone.

    Post-rehabilitation pump replacement

    If the submersible pump has worn impellers or damaged seals, replacement adds GBP 3,000 to 18,000 depending on shaft size and required head; worn pumps discovered during extraction always extend project duration and cost.

    Key Regulations & Standards

    EA Groundwater Abstraction Licence (WRA 1991)

    Well rehabilitation work that temporarily suspends abstraction must be pre-notified to the EA; licence conditions may specify minimum post-rehabilitation water quality sampling before resuming full-rate abstraction.

    Private Water Supply Regulations 2016

    If the borehole serves a private supply subject to PWS Regulations, the local authority must be notified of any interruption and post-rehabilitation water quality must be demonstrated compliant with WS(WQ)R 2016 before supply is restored.

    COSHH 2002 and chemical handling

    Hydrochloric acid at 10 to 15 percent requires COSHH risk assessment, appropriate PPE (nitrile gloves, face shield, chemical-resistant suit), and an emergency spill plan on site; the MSDS must be held at the point of use.

    EA Groundwater Protection Policy (2022)

    The EA's Groundwater Source Protection Zone (SPZ) classification may impose additional restrictions on chemical types and concentrations used near public water supply boreholes; SPZ1 (inner zone) prohibits certain biocides.

    Explore Related Categories

    Well Services

    Borehole Drilling CompaniesPumping Station Companies

    Hardware

    Water Pump Companies

    Browse the full provider directory

    Comparing well rehabilitation companies is one slice of a larger shortlisting decision. Explore the complete directory of industrial water treatment companies, then filter by region, sector, and technology before you request scoped proposals.

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