Water Retention Testing
Why is Water Retention Testing Required
Water Retention Testing is carried out to comply with Irish Water’s taking in charge process of water retaining structures that are associated with the water or wastewater infrastructure of a development. Commonly known as Drop Tests or Water Retaining Tests in the water industry, the testing is carried out to confirm that a structure is watertight and suitable to be put into service.
SES Water Retention Testing Services
SES Water Management provide water retention testing services which involve filling the tank to an agreed level and measuring the drop in level (if any) over a period of time, usually seven days. We provide this service by installing a level probe with data logger to record any changes in water levels. Once the data has been downloaded, we prepare a short report to demonstrate if the water level has remained within the allowable tolerance of the specification.
To minimise the possibility of test failure and retest due to external on site factors, there are a number of preliminary works that should be carried out on site before we install any equipment. SES are happy to discuss these with you and provide guidance where necessary to ensure the test goes smoothly.
SES Tank Testing Experience
Where a holding tank or pump sump has failed a water retention test, SES can provide advice and guidance to resolve the issue. A common fault in the installation of precast concrete tanks is that it has not been installed to the manufacturer’s specification or that the wrong product for sealing the upper and lower precast sections has been used.
We believe these tests provide an important role in the utility industry to ensure we meet our environmental and energy goals. Where wastewater may leach from a tank, this can pollute groundwater and have an adverse effect on water supplies and the environment. Where water may leak into a tank, this results in more pumping of water which has energy and cost implications.
Our equipment is fully certified and calibrated to ensure we record the level data to the required specifications. We can provide this certification on request.
Examples of water retaining structures include:
- Reservoirs (above or below ground)
- Pump Station Wet Wells
- Pump Sumps
- Pumping Stations
- Wastewater holding tanks
- Firewater holding tanks
- Stormwater holding tanks
- Grey water holding tanks
- Storage Bunds
- Any water retaining structure e.g. storage tanks
