By partnering with SUEZ, exclusive providers of the specialist Ice Pigging technology, South West Water eliminated cryptosporidium contamination in its water mains in Brixham, Devon.
Following the detection of an outbreak of cryptosporidium in Devon in May, South West Water enlisted the support of SUEZ’s specialised Ice Pigging technology, alongside other measures, to help remove the contamination and restore full supply to its customers.
Ice Pigging is an industry-leading pipeline cleaning solution that uses a thick ice slurry. An alternative to conventional pipeline-pigging and other pipeline cleaning techniques, Ice Pigging is highly effective, low-risk and suitable for all types of pipework.
The solution harnesses the complex properties of semi-solid ice, which can be pumped like a liquid, but acts like a solid when a ‘pig’ of ice is formed within a pipe. Under pressure this removes sediment and built-up deposits to leave the pipe clear and obstruction-free. A relatively quick process, it also leaves pipe walls undamaged.
Within 36 hours of being contacted, SUEZ mobilised and collaborated with South West Water’s response team to implement the solution. Over the course of 20 operational visits, 98 Ice Pigging operations cleaned over 45,000 metres of pipe. SUEZ and South West Water successfully and safely removed residual cryptosporidium in initial operations from the water mains, and South West Water extended the cleaning activity to the wider water supply zone, combined with other measures including mains replacement, as well as the installation of microfilters and UV treatment systems.
Phil Petitt, Ice Pigging Business Development Manager, said:
“We were pleased to partner with South West Water to deploy our Ice Pigging solution to help tackle the cryptosporidium outbreak in Devon. Ice Pigging is the perfect solution for challenges such as this as it can be deployed quickly and efficiently. Through our expertise, we were able to embrace the unique challenges of the affected area and support South West Water in its measures to successfully remove the contaminant, restoring full supply to affected customers.”
