Setting new standards for SSPS pump upgrades at scale
A Xylem and Thames Water partnership represents a shift in how water companies can manage inherited infrastructure, according to Andrew Welsh, Water Utilities Director, Xylem UK and Ireland.
Thames Water set out to upgrade 130 small sewage pumping stations (SSPS) as part of a comprehensive programme to bring the assets into compliance. This initiative followed 2016 legislation that transferred ownership of previously private wastewater pumping stations to local water companies.
For Thames Water, this meant inheriting thousands of assets across its region, many of which had not been adequately maintained.
To ensure the newly acquired SSPS met stringent regulatory and operational standards, Thames Water launched a comprehensive upgrade programme. The early phases focused on grouped batches of 20-30 stations, which proved effective but revealed limitations for scaling to larger volumes.
Challenge
As Thames Water prepared for future upgrade phases, it faced a series of operational and logistical challenges. One of the most pressing needs was to scale up delivery. While earlier work had focused on small-batch installations of around 20 to 30 stations, the new target required the refurbishment of 130 stations within just 32 weeks.
The location of many assets added further complexity. Several small sewage pumping stations were situated in difficult-to-access areas, including high-traffic zones, private gardens and even underground car parks. These conditions demanded careful planning to ensure safe and efficient working practices.
Administrative processes also had an impact. Lengthy approval procedures and complex documentation requirements had caused delays during earlier phases, underlining the importance of streamlining actions to maintain momentum.
At the same time, the project required an accelerated schedule. High-quality refurbishments needed to be delivered at pace, without any compromise on safety or technical standards. Meeting this objective placed significant emphasis on the coordination of skilled resources.
Finally, ensuring the availability of personnel, equipment and materials across multiple sites presented an ongoing challenge. Synchronising these elements was essential to keeping the programme on track and achieving the delivery targets.
Solution
Recognising that a new delivery approach was needed, Thames Water redefined its project requirements. This meant targeting an average price per station, drawn from historical cost data, to maintain cost efficiency at scale.
Xylem was selected as the delivery partner of the new programme – SSPS Phase Five Refurbishments. The company’s bid introduced a new agile delivery strategy to optimise resources and timelines to radically improve project throughput.
The strategy focused on delivering high-quality, cost-effective refurbishment of approximately 130 pump stations, including the installation of pumps, panels, pipework, and access covers, while maintaining compliance with all technical, safety, and operational standards. An accelerated delivery programme of four sites per week over 32 weeks was agreed.
All sites were upgraded with leading Xylem Flygt products. This provided long-lasting reliability and efficiency, which was particularly valuable for sites that had not been upgraded in 20-30 years.
Results
Xylem’s delivery team, in partnership with Thames Water, met – and in some cases exceeded – timeline goals, completing the entire programme within the 32-week schedule.
The project was delivered on budget by leveraging resource-efficient methodologies and streamlining administrative processes compared to previous phases.
This approach resulted in the high-quality refurbishment of 130 pump stations that met rigorous technical, safety and operational standards.
Given the often challenging locations of SSPS sites, securing individual landowner cooperation required a sensitive approach. Measures such as installing new fencing, planting shrubs and adding park benches helped ensure landowners and householders were satisfied and engaged throughout.
The project was shortlisted in the Alliance or Partnership of the Year category at the 2025 Water Industry Awards.
Alan Kemp, Thames Water project engineer, said: “This initiative marked a significant step forward for Thames Water, setting a new standard for upgrading existing SSPS sites to safe and serviceable conditions. The goal was ambitious: modernise 134 sites at a fixed average cost, with a delivery pace of four sites per week.
“Despite early challenges, a strong partnership between Thames Water and Xylem UK enabled us to complete the programme ahead of schedule and within budget. This project is proof of what can be achieved when everyone pulls in the same direction.”
