Helping a Premium Food Manufacturer Take Greater Control of Its Water Future
As production volumes increased at Charlie Bigham's Somerset production facility, the business recognised the need for greater resilience and control over its water resources.
The Challenge
The objective was not simply to secure an additional water source, but to support the company's wider sustainability ambitions by reducing reliance on the mains network and strengthening long-term operational security.
The project site itself presented significant technical challenges. Located within a former quarry, the ground conditions comprised complex sequences of previously worked material interspersed with natural geological formations.
Adding further complexity, the development needed to demonstrate that abstraction from the proposed borehole would not adversely impact a nearby spring supplying water to the local village.
The Solution
Drawing upon extensive hydrogeological knowledge gained through previous projects in the area, combined with the local expertise of Drift's drilling team, we designed a bespoke groundwater solution tailored specifically to the site's conditions.
The borehole was drilled to a depth of 60 metres, with permanent steel casing installed through the upper nine metres to isolate perched groundwater and prevent the migration of potentially contaminated shallow groundwater into the deeper aquifer.
Comprehensive environmental monitoring measures were implemented throughout drilling and test pumping activities. Local watercourses were closely observed to provide assurance that no visible hydraulic connection existed between the production borehole and the nearby spring source.
The completed installation incorporates a permanent pumping system governed by timed abstraction controls and continuous flow monitoring. Should abstraction approach the permitted daily volume, the system automatically reverts to the existing mains supply through a motorised changeover valve, ensuring uninterrupted production.
The Outcome
The scheme has provided Charlie Bigham's with an additional, carefully managed water resource that supports future production growth while aligning with the company's wider sustainability objectives.
Importantly, the project demonstrated how private water supplies can be developed responsibly, balancing operational requirements with environmental protection and community considerations.
Technical Highlights
- Borehole depth: 60m
- Permanent steel casing installed to 9m
- Automated abstraction control system
- Motorised mains water backup arrangement
- Environmental monitoring undertaken during testing
- Designed to protect both the aquifer and local watercourses
Project Impact
- Supports expansion plans
- Reduction in mains water demand of 20m3 a day
- Contributes towards Charlie Bigham's wider carbon reduction strategy
- Provides increased operational resilience during periods of peak demand
Turn water challenges into engineered solutions.