Client
Bristol Water
Value
£1.1M
Sectors & Services
Water Industry Concrete Repair Condition Surveys Coatings Membranes Cleaning & Preparation External Façade Refurbishment Projects
Durdham Down Water Tower, located on Clifton Downs in Bristol, was constructed in 1954 and remains a critical part of the local potable water supply network. The structure comprises a twelve-sided reinforced concrete water tank with inner and outer compartments, supported on reinforced concrete fin piers, together with an integral concrete staircase and landing structure.
With a total storage capacity of 2.73 million litres, the tower and its adjacent covered surface reservoir supply water to the surrounding population. Due to the age of the asset and the need to maintain water quality, structural integrity, and operational safety, a comprehensive programme of concrete repairs, waterproofing, and internal upgrades was required to preserve this iconic piece of infrastructure.
Services undertaken
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Full-height external and internal scaffolding
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Removal of existing tank membrane by hydro-demolition
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Vacuum extraction of debris
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Crack banding using MasterSeal 930/933 Hypalon system
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Application of Intercrete 4800 cementitious skim coat and Acothane DW protective coating to internal tank surfaces
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External concrete repairs and application of anti-carbonation coatings
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Application of Triflex membrane to the main roof
- Upgrade of internal lighting to staircases and landings
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Installation of new internal handrails using abseilers, windows and roof perimeter handrails
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Construction of new circular roof enclosure with ladder and handrails
The refurbishment works were technically complex and required specialist access, careful sequencing, and strict quality control. A full-height scaffold was erected around the external elevations of the water tower to provide safe access, supported by a passenger and goods hoist to facilitate materials handling. Internally, additional scaffolding was installed within both water tanks to enable the removal of the existing lining system. This was carried out using hydro-demolition techniques, allowing controlled removal of the membrane without damaging the underlying concrete. All debris arising from the works was removed using vacuum extraction to maintain cleanliness and protect water quality.
Following exposure of the concrete surfaces, cracks identified beneath the existing lining were treated using the MasterSeal 930/933 Hypalon bandage system. This ensured continuity of waterproofing and localised crack accommodation. All internal concrete surfaces then received an initial cementitious skim coat of Intercrete 4800, applied by hand to achieve a consistent finish and provide a suitable substrate for the final lining system. Two coats of Acothane DW protective coating were subsequently applied to deliver a durable, potable-water-approved barrier.
Externally, concrete repairs were undertaken to all areas of the tower, followed by the application of anti-carbonation coatings to protect the reinforced concrete from environmental exposure. The main roof received a Triflex membrane to enhance waterproofing performance. Additional works included the installation of new windows, upgrades to the internal lighting system serving staircases and landings, and the installation of new roof perimeter handrails. A new circular roof enclosure was constructed to the main access and egress point, incorporating a vertical ladder and handrails. New internal handrails were also installed throughout the tower, with abseilers used to safely access constrained areas. CRL’s integrated delivery reflects its expertise in concrete repairs, structural repairs UK, and the management of complex water-retaining assets.
"What an amazing job has been done on the water tower! It is totally transformed and looks fantastic."
A Community Stakeholder
The refurbishment strategy focused on extending the service life of this vital water infrastructure while ensuring long-term durability and safety. Internal crack treatment and the application of cementitious and polyurethane-based protective coatings provide robust resistance to water ingress and deterioration, safeguarding both the concrete structure and water quality. Externally, concrete repairs and anti-carbonation coatings reduce the risk of reinforcement corrosion by limiting carbon dioxide penetration.
Roof waterproofing with a Triflex membrane, combined with upgraded handrails, access systems, and lighting, improves resilience, safety, and maintainability. By combining specialist surface preparation, protective coatings, and targeted structural interventions, CRL has delivered a low-maintenance solution that supports long-term asset management objectives and ensures the continued reliable operation of this iconic water tower.
