Client
Wessex Water Services
Value
£175k
Sectors & Services
Water Industry Heritage & Listed Membranes Cleaning & Preparation Projects
Wyke Regis Reservoir is a distinctive 100-year-old redbrick arch service reservoir located in Weymouth, Dorset, and forms part of Wessex Water’s strategic water supply infrastructure. As a buried structure approaching a century in service, the reservoir required comprehensive internal and external refurbishment to ensure continued operational reliability and compliance.
CRL was appointed to deliver a full refurbishment of the reservoir, drawing on its specialist experience within the water sector and in complex concrete and masonry repairs.
The works were undertaken during a tightly constrained six-week winter outage, ahead of peak summer demand. Age-related deterioration, combined with the need to improve waterproofing, access, and internal hygiene standards, made the project critical to long-term asset management and resilience within the regional water network.
Services undertaken
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Mechanical removal and reinstatement of topsoil and overburden
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External roof exposure and repairs
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Installation of dualseal roof waterproofing membrane
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Installation of new deck drainage system
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Internal high-pressure water jetting and cleaning
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Internal concrete and brickwork repairs
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Removal of root penetration and associated repairs
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Installation of new stainless steel access handrails
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Final tank cleaning and preparation for chlorination
Externally, the buried roof structure was exposed by removing approximately 0.5 metres of topsoil and overburden. While the original specification required manual excavation, CRL proposed and successfully implemented a mechanical solution using a long-reach excavator. This approach significantly reduced programme duration and cost, while maintaining safety and protecting the underlying structure.
Once exposed, the roof underwent targeted repairs to address defects identified during inspection. Following these repairs, a new dualseal membrane was installed to provide robust waterproofing, working in conjunction with newly installed deck drains to manage surface water effectively. The overburden and topsoil were then carefully reinstated to return the reservoir to its original condition.
Internally, the reservoir tank was thoroughly cleaned using high-pressure water jetting to remove accumulated deposits and prepare surfaces for inspection. Defective areas of concrete and brickwork were repaired to restore structural integrity and hygiene standards. Root ingress was identified and removed wherever present, with associated repairs completed to prevent recurrence. New stainless steel access handrails were installed, replacing the original rails dating back to the reservoir’s construction. A final comprehensive clean was undertaken prior to chlorination, ensuring the reservoir was safely returned to service in line with operational requirements.
"Although the reservoir is over 100 years old, it is still in immaculate condition and required minimal repairs. It was a privilege to work on such a magnificently-constructed asset built in a time when quality meant everything."
Steve Jones | Southern Regional Director | CRL
Beyond the immediate physical repairs, the project delivered long-term value by extending the service life of a critical water asset and improving its resilience. CRL’s proactive planning and innovative approach, particularly in adopting mechanical excavation, reduced disruption and enabled safe, efficient delivery within a constrained outage window. The upgraded waterproofing system, improved drainage, and durable internal repairs enhance protection against future deterioration, reducing ongoing maintenance demands.
Close collaboration with Wessex Water ensured operational continuity and alignment with wider asset management objectives. Completed on time and ready for peak summer demand, the scheme demonstrates CRL’s capability to deliver sustainable, high-quality structural repairs UK-wide, supporting reliable water supply and long-term infrastructure performance.
