New booster installation replaces ageing water tower to secure Peterborough supply
Anglian Water has strengthened the resilience of its Peterborough distribution network with the installation of a new duty and standby booster pump set, following the urgent decommissioning of the ageing Wittering Water Tower. The structure, once a key part of the area’s supply system, had reached the end of its serviceable life and was no longer viable due to escalating maintenance demands and operational costs.
To ensure continuity of pressure and supply across the region ahead of Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8), Anglian Water required a fully integrated, fast-track replacement system. The project scope covered the design and installation of mechanical, electrical, and civil works within a constrained site footprint and a strict delivery timeline.
Quartzelec was selected to deliver the project based on its capability to provide end-to-end infrastructure solutions under time-critical conditions. The company’s in-house expertise removed the need for subcontracting, enabling full control over safety, quality, and programme delivery.
The new installation features a dual-duty and standby booster pump set designed to replicate the hydraulic function of the former water tower. Each pump is equipped with dedicated suction and discharge pressure monitoring, supported by variable speed drives (VSDs) matched to motor power ratings for efficient and responsive operation. This configuration provides stable network pressure while improving energy efficiency and controllability.
Decommissioning of the legacy infrastructure was completed without service interruption, with all materials handled and disposed of in line with environmental regulations. The new booster set and associated pipework were first delivered to Anglian Water’s Wing facility for a full Materials in Contact (MIC) assessment before final commissioning. A detailed component breakdown was also supplied to support asset approval processes and future maintenance planning.
Ancillary works enhanced the overall site functionality. A single gate was replaced with a wider double gate to improve access, groundworks were completed using Type 1 aggregate to ensure safe vehicle movement, and a new generator connection point – accessible externally or via an internal access hatch – was installed to strengthen resilience during power outages.
The completed scheme provides Anglian Water with a modern, low-maintenance pumping installation that ensures reliable supply, full regulatory compliance ahead of AMP8, and improved long-term operational flexibility.
