3 minute read
Water Conditioning
Safe water supply ensured at care facility
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When it became clear that the water supply at a specialist residential care facility was failing statutory quality tests, a new solution was needed. The answer came in the form of a pressurised and conditioned system from Stuart Turner, as flow found out.
Libury Hall is a charity that offers supported living within a residential care setting for adults who, due to mental health issues, need practical, emotional or social support. All the residential accommodation offers a unique pathway of recovery for 39 men and women aged 40 and over. It is a comfortable and friendly home surrounded by some of the most beautiful farmland in Hertfordshire.
It provides four high-quality cottages in half an acre of landscaped grounds, four individual apartments within an Italian style courtyard, a twobedroom high needs bungalow offering one-to-one specialist care, whilst the main house consists of 17 state of the art residential rooms. In addition, Libury Hall offers a Day Centre where residents can socialise, participate in activities and gain life skills.
So, when it became apparent that the water supply from the borehole to the main home was failing its statutory tests, quick and expert support was needed to ensure the home could remain open.
The existing water supply system came from the local borehole and saw 6,000 litres of water from the borehole stored in tanks in the roof of the building and all the outlets across the site were gravity fed. The reality was that the facility didn’t need 6,000 litres of stored water – it wasn’t using enough to keep the water flowing, and the quality of the stored water was falling below the quality required by statute. The local Environment Department said the water was not at a quality to satisfy the regulations – posing a huge problem for the facility.
Michael Harvey from Harvey’s Heating in Hunsdon was called in to suggest a solution. There was a mains supply to the facility available as a backup – should the stored water supply not be adequate – so there was an option that would not involve major issues in getting a new supply to the buildings. Michael discussed the options with Darren Cooper of Stuart Turner Pumps, and together they decided the most efficient and cost-effective solution was to provide a pressurised drinking water supply from the existing mains connection. The home had regular water tank cleaning and maintenance services, but it wasn’t enough to keep the water quality at the required level. Michael ordered the Stuart Turner equipment – 8 x 450l composite tanks and a Stuart Turner water conditioner system. Together the equipment would ensure fresh, clean constantly available water with far less maintenance than the old system required, and the ability to ensure that the water was in prime condition for the residents at all times.
The new system is providing quality water between 3 and 4 bar, depending on usage through the shared main – a huge improvement over the old gravity-fed system. The water conditioner effectively polishes the water, ensuring it is always of the highest standard.
Commenting on the new water system, Angela Smith, the director of Libury Hall, said: “When we realised that there was a problem with the water our hearts sank. We have been so grateful to Michael and his team, along with Stuart Turner, for providing the expertise to solve what for us was a very complex issue. We now have excellent quality water coupled with high pressure which has made a huge difference for all the residents. We feel we have invested in the home for the future. A cost-effective solution was vital for the charity. The trustees who are responsible for the facility are delighted with the reduced costs associated with the maintenance and with the speed and efficiency of the works that were undertaken.”
