Posted by on 17 December 2009 | 0 Comments

Welsh Water Approves Advanced

Plastic Drainage System

Housebuilders and developers in Wales can now exploit the benefits of the latest in hi-tec plastic drainage systems following the signing of a ground-breaking ‘Parallel Partnering Agreement’ between Welsh Water and manufacturer, Asset International Ltd.

Under the agreement, large diameter HDPE Weholite pipes - available in diameters from 400mm to 3m - can now be used in the construction of stormwater attenuation/storage tanks as part of housing and commercial developments. Contractors can select these lightweight, robust products with the assurance that, if they are installed according to the agreement guidelines, they will be adopted by Welsh Water on completion of the project. The agreement also means Weholite pipes can be used by contractors working on Welsh Water’s ongoing AMP4 infrastructure investment programme.

The innovative ‘Parallel Partnering Agreement’ does not create a direct contractual relationship between Welsh Water and Asset. However, under the administration of the British Plastics Federation’s Plastic Pipes Group (PPG) it will ensure the maintenance of agreed standards governing design, product quality, installation, maintenance, repair, training and research.

A similar, successful partnering agreement governing smaller diameter plastic pipes was signed by the PPG and Welsh Water in 2002.

PPG Director, Frank Jones said: “The BPF is very pleased to be a partner in this important agreement between Asset and Welsh Water. It marks an important step in the evolution of plastic pipe, which already accounts for over 50% of all new pipes in the ground. Through agreements such as this, Asset is pushing frontiers and breaking into a huge new area of application.”

David Evans, Associate Director at Arup and Chairman of the Welsh Water Product Group welcomed the move: “Our unique ‘Parallel Partnering’ approach means that any issues affecting the introduction of this new technology have been worked through with the manufacturer to ensure a standardised approach to installation and acceptable levels of backup and inspection. The exhaustive process of appraisal undertaken with Asset is an example of how Welsh Water is working with its supply chain for the benefit of its customers.”

The new partnership will also drive innovation and research at Swansea University’s Civil Engineering and Polymer Technology departments. Asset International Ltd is currently in discussion with the university, developing briefs for research projects and exploring options for funding a three-year post graduate research post. The results of this relationship will be made available to Welsh Water to increase its knowledge-base of plastic pipe applications.

“The agreement marks a major step forward in the take-up of this technology as Weholite is now approved for use by all water companies in the UK,” said Asset Director, Simon Thomas. “There are already hundreds of Weholite structures across the country, and that figure is growing fast. Because they are fabricated off site quality can be assured. They are also quick to install and designs can be flexible, making Weholite ideally suited to bespoke applications. What is more, under the terms spelled out in our agreement with Welsh Water, contractors know they can expect the highest standards of product quality with responsive design, standardised installation, and ongoing support.”

The first projects under the new agreement are due to start in South Wales in early 2007.