Switch to groundwater could save 90% of mains costs
Private water supplies are becoming increasingly attractive for many high volume commercial and industrial users of water. With greater economic pressures on organisations, the need to remain competitive means that more are turning to groundwater as the principal water source for their operations. The use of a groundwater source can achieve considerable operational savings and typically comes to as little as 10% of the cost of water from the mains. Initial outlays are often relatively small in comparison to the savings over time and the investment payback can be as rapid as two years.
"Many people have initial concerns about converting to their own groundwater supply due to a perceived higher risk of contamination, operational headaches and unreliability", explained Julian Hatherall, Senior Hydrogeologist at specialist groundwater consultants Zenith International. "However, once the quality and yield are verified, groundwater will provide a reliable supply of stable, good quality water. These risks increase only if facilities are poorly constructed or maintained".
Autumn and winter herald the onset of heavier rainfall and groundwater recharge. At this time of year rainfall, run-off and potential flooding can increase contamination risks. The recent floods experienced across Europe and the UK have focused concerns amongst many of those with borehole supplies. "Recent reports of sewage and chemicals flushed into rivers as a consequence of flooding have raised the profile of water contamination, particularly where boreholes are located in flood plains," Julian Hatherall added. "However, where focused and proficient planning, construction and management of boreholes and groundwater catchments are undertaken, owners should be confident in the knowledge that they can rely on a cost effective, low risk water supply".
Zenith International offers a comprehensive groundwater consultancy service, providing advice on the safe development and protection of groundwater resources throughout the UK, Europe and beyond, along with advice on many other groundwater issues.
Anyone wishing to discuss new groundwater supplies, groundwater source protection or other water supply and quality issues should contact Peter Easton or Julian Hatherall at Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900, fax +44 (0)1225 327901 or e-mail gw@zenithinternational.com
For further information, please contact:
Peter Easton or Julian Hatherall, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square w Bath BA1 2AB w United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 w f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com
"Many people have initial concerns about converting to their own groundwater supply due to a perceived higher risk of contamination, operational headaches and unreliability", explained Julian Hatherall, Senior Hydrogeologist at specialist groundwater consultants Zenith International. "However, once the quality and yield are verified, groundwater will provide a reliable supply of stable, good quality water. These risks increase only if facilities are poorly constructed or maintained".
Autumn and winter herald the onset of heavier rainfall and groundwater recharge. At this time of year rainfall, run-off and potential flooding can increase contamination risks. The recent floods experienced across Europe and the UK have focused concerns amongst many of those with borehole supplies. "Recent reports of sewage and chemicals flushed into rivers as a consequence of flooding have raised the profile of water contamination, particularly where boreholes are located in flood plains," Julian Hatherall added. "However, where focused and proficient planning, construction and management of boreholes and groundwater catchments are undertaken, owners should be confident in the knowledge that they can rely on a cost effective, low risk water supply".
Zenith International offers a comprehensive groundwater consultancy service, providing advice on the safe development and protection of groundwater resources throughout the UK, Europe and beyond, along with advice on many other groundwater issues.
Anyone wishing to discuss new groundwater supplies, groundwater source protection or other water supply and quality issues should contact Peter Easton or Julian Hatherall at Zenith International on tel +44 (0)1225 327900, fax +44 (0)1225 327901 or e-mail gw@zenithinternational.com
For further information, please contact:
Peter Easton or Julian Hatherall, Zenith International Ltd
7 Kingsmead Square w Bath BA1 2AB w United Kingdom
t +44 (0)1225 327900 w f +44 (0)1225 327901
zenithinternational.com