Birdlip Distribution Service Reservoir 

Birdlip is a quaint village with a small residential community, a school, a public house, and a few local businesses nestled in the Cotswold district. The Birdlip Distribution Service Reservoir (DSR), with a total capacity of 8,460 m³, constructed in 1971, plays a critical role in distributing potable water to the area. 

The reservoir structure is made up of monolithic reinforced concrete walls, floor, and roof slab, and features two compartments, separated by a full-height partition wall. The tank is predominantly above ground level and is backfilled with a steep sloping earth embankment.

In June 2024, Concrete Repairs Limited (CRL) was appointed by Severn Trent as the Principal Contractor to undertake a comprehensive restoration of this vital asset.

The refurbishment of the reservoir focused on comprehensive internal and external works to ensure compliance with modern standards and secure potable water storage. The repair process began by removing the abandoned sample line and pump from the outlet pipe. A thorough pre-works clean followed, including de-scaling the cross-connection valve, cast iron inlet, outlet, and washout areas. After removing the old bitumen paint over the internal joints, an over-banding system (Masterseal 933)  was then applied to all wall and floor joints. This was followed by extensive spark testing to ensure the quality of the works. The pipework was then cleaned using high-pressure jetting and wire brushing. Safety improvements included replacing the internal ladder with a compliant design and installing handrailing around the washout sump. Once all the internal works had been completed, the interior was disinfected and flood-tested to confirm readiness to be filled with clean potable water.

The roof was cleared of topsoil, grass, and gravel, and a trench was excavated around the perimeter to expose the roof-to-wall joint. The joint was then overbanded using the Masterseal 933 system. A new bonded membrane (Proofex) was applied to the roof and kerbs, with an elastomeric over-banding system used to seal the cracks. All the hatches were re-bedded, and the roof then covered with a geocomposite drainage layer and 150mm of  river-washed gravel. Drainage upgrades included installing French drains, soakaways, and a flap valve at the scour pipe outlet.

The restoration of Birdlip Service Reservoir ensures it is at full operational capacity and complies with Severn Trent Water’s standards. The upgrades have enhanced it’s structural integrity, safety, and reliability, securing its role in delivering high-quality water to Gloucester. Now equipped for long-term functionality, it’s ready to serve the community for decades to come.