As the UK works towards its ambitious target of delivering 1.5 million new homes by the next general election, one of the government’s key strategies is to focus on brownfield sites for development. While this approach is designed to protect green belt land, it introduces a host of challenges, especially when it comes to below-ground infrastructure.
For developers and the contractors responsible for water infrastructure, ensuring that systems are future-proof, resilient, and sustainable is critical. Here, Stuart Steel, Product Manager for Clay at leading plumbing and drainage manufacturer, Wavin UK, explores how the right material choices for foul water systems – particularly clay – can provide long-term, reliable solutions for water infrastructure in these demanding environments.
A brownfield-first approach
Brownfield sites, once used for industrial, military or commercial purposes, can present significant obstacles for water infrastructure. These previously developed areas are rarely ready for residential or public development without substantial preparation. Contaminated soil, hazardous chemicals and outdated underground systems are common obstacles that complicate both construction and the long-term management of water networks.
The UK government’s ‘brownfield first’ policy, supported by initiatives like the Brownfield Land Release Fund, aims to unlock these sites for residential and public development while protecting green belt land. However, the industrial legacy of these areas demands materials that can handle contamination, resist degradation and provide long-term reliability.
In these environments, material selection becomes critical. Below ground infrastructure must not only be robust enough to withstand chemical exposure but also offer the durability to minimise maintenance costs over time. Specifying high-performance materials that are naturally inert, like clay, can play a pivotal role in delivering resilient and sustainable foul water systems in even the most challenging conditions.
Why clay?
As the pressure to develop brownfield sites intensifies, the demand for materials that can withstand harsh, contaminated environments grows. Clay pipes stand out as an ideal solution for foul water systems in these challenging conditions, where durability and resistance to harsh conditions are crucial.
What sets clay apart is its inert nature, which prevents reactions with the chemicals commonly found in brownfield sites. Unlike alternative materials, which can degrade when exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, clay pipes remain intact, ensuring long-term reliability. This quality is particularly valuable in areas where chemicals from previous industrial use may still be present, or in public-sector facilities like hospitals or schools that regularly use harsh cleaning chemicals to maintain water systems.
When it comes to maintenance, clay offers significant advantages here too. Its resistance to high-pressure jetting and rodding means it can endure intensive cleaning processes that can damage other materials. This durability reduces the need for costly repairs and replacements, making clay a more cost-effective choice over time while ensuring the system’s integrity for years to come.
Clay pipes also deliver exceptional strength and longevity. Wavin’s Hepworth clay range boasts a lifespan of over 100 years – far outlasting the typical 50-60 years of alternative materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Thanks to its inherent strength, clay is able to withstand physical stresses such as ground movement and external pressures, which are common on brownfield sites. This ensures that, even in the most demanding conditions, clay pipes continue to function effectively, providing a reliable long-term solution for water infrastructure.
A more sustainable option
Sustainability is increasingly influencing decision-making in the built environment, especially when it comes to specifying drainage products for new developments. As one of the oldest and most widely used construction materials, clay offers a natural advantage. Abundant and locally sourced across the UK, it provides a sustainable solution for long-term water management.
With minimal logistical requirements, clay’s environmental impact is kept low throughout the manufacturing process. For example, all clay used in Wavin’s Hepworth Clay pipes is sourced within a 5-mile radius of the manufacturing facility, reducing transportation emissions. Wavin also uses local rainwater instead of mains water in production, recycles all scrap material, and reuses kiln heat during drying, helping to minimise resource consumption and CO2 emissions.
As sustainability concerns continue to shape water infrastructure development, choosing materials like clay helps meet long-term environmental goals. With its durability and low maintenance requirements, clay contributes to sustainable water management by reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs, while offering exceptional performance over time.
While there is a plethora of pipe materials readily available for foul water systems, each with their pros and cons, the benefits of clay should not be overlooked.
For more information on Wavin’s clay drainage pipes, visit: https://wavin.com/en-gb/products/7f426478-e4b1-4617-86f6-4b922252c858
