Potable Water Reservoir Joint Remediation — Primrose Hill

Introduction

Following a routine clean and inspection, a critical clean water asset at Primrose Hill was compromised by failed bitumen joints. To prevent water contamination and structural leakage, immediate intervention was required. UCL mobilised reactively within days, executing the remediation out-of-hours and over the weekend to minimise asset downtime and ensure a rapid return to service.

Our Solution

The failed bitumen was mechanically removed, and the substrate was prepared to expose sound concrete. To address surface irregularities that could compromise the new seal, an epoxy-modified cementitious reprofiling mortar was applied to level the uneven concrete surfaces. For the primary waterproofing barrier, an advanced high-performance, flexible hypalon-based bandage sealing system was installed over the joints, bonded with a high-modulus structural epoxy adhesive. This multi-layered approach provides a highly flexible, durable seal capable of accommodating structural movement while fully adhering to strict potable water regulations. The entire installation was executed under stringent hygienic conditions.

Key Benefits

• Rapid reactive mobilisation — deployed within days of the failure identification to secure the asset
• Minimised asset downtime — out-of-hours and weekend working ensured the reservoir returned to service promptly
• Potable water compliant — utilised advanced, approved materials safe for clean water containment
• Structural flexibility — the high-performance bandage system accommodates long-term thermal and structural movement
• Substrate rectification — an integrated reprofiling layer resolved uneven surface profiles to ensure maximum system adhesion

Conclusion

UCL's rapid engineering response and technical execution successfully restored the structural integrity of the Primrose Hill reservoir. By opting for a flexible bandage sealing system over failed bitumen, the asset received a long-term, compliant waterproofing solution, delivered ahead of schedule without disrupting local water supply networks.