In May 2009 CRL began the internal and external refurbishment of the Rusper and Betchworth Water Towers. Both water towers were built in 1930 from conventionally reinforced concrete and although over the ensuing period both have stood up to the elements remarkably well, Sutton & East Surrey realized if they were to maximize their use, both internal and external upgrading was required.

The works were to be carried out in 2 phases. Phase 1 was all the external works and Phase 2 was the internal works to the bowl which could only be carried out over the winter months when demand was low. Although both towers could be worked on simultaneously in Phase 1, in Phase 2 only 1 tower can be worked on at a time.   

Externally, a visual and hammer survey was carried out of all the exposed concrete surfaces. Any spalled and cracked concrete, including the roof parapets and the enclosed area beneath the bowl, was repaired. The concrete surfaces were then thoroughly cleaned down and a fairing coat applied prior to the spray application of Sika’s Sikagard 550W Anti-Carbonation System. The existing asphalt membrane covering the roof area above the bowl was repaired and cleaned down prior to Irathane’s Aqualine 400a being applied as the roof waterproof coating. At the same time, the existing(original) wooden access stairways was removed and replaced with new steel elements complying with the latest safety standards. 

The internal works within the water bowls will include the removal of the existing internal asphalt lining to the walls, floor and columns, repairs to any spalled and cracked concrete, cleaning down and re-lining with Irathane’s Aqualine 650. The roof soffits and beams are to be surveyed, any spalled and cracked concrete repaired and a protective coating applied to all areas. To keep up with current Health & Safety requirements the existing internal access ladder is to be removed and replaced with a more ‘modern’ one.

The refurbishment works will also provide the ideal opportunity to replace numerous valves within the Rusper Tower, and upgrade the handrails around the roof bowl on both towers. It is envisaged that the works carried out will generally extend the life of the tower by at least a further 25 years.

Client: Sutton & East Surrey Water

Value: £430,000.00