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Drinking Water Project

Carene Drinking Water Supply Project: Advancing Resilient and Sustainable Water Infrastructure

As the third instalment in our six-part water capabilities case study series, the Carene Drinking Water Supply Project highlights setec’s expertise in large-scale pipeline design and hydraulic optimisation. With growing demand, ageing infrastructure, and increasing sustainability pressures, UK water utilities face significant challenges. The Carene project in Loire-Atlantique, France, showcases innovative solutions that address these issues, providing valuable insights for the UK water sector.

Project Overview

  • Client: Local authorities of Loire-Atlantique
  • Location: Carene, France
  • Timeline: September 2013 – March 2017
  • Scope: Design and construction supervision of an 80km drinking water pipeline, including multiple pump stations and underground crossings.

Key Challenges & Solutions

  1. Long-Distance Water Distribution
  • Challenge: Ensuring optimal pressure and flow efficiency across an 80km pipeline.
  • Solution: Advanced hydraulic modelling using Epanet reduced energy consumption and operational costs—an approach UK utilities can adopt to enhance efficiency.
  1. Navigating Complex Infrastructure
  • Challenge: Underground crossings of major roads, including the RN165 and RN171 motorways.
  • Solution: Tunnel boring and directional drilling minimised disruption—critical for UK projects near motorways and urban areas.
  1. Environmental Compliance & Sustainability
  • Challenge: Meeting stringent environmental regulations while maintaining project efficiency.
  • Solution: Sustainable construction strategies, including controlled construction schedules and eco-friendly materials, aligned with UK Environment Agency standards and AMP8 sustainability objectives, supporting Net Zero Carbon goals.

Project Outcomes

  • Enhanced Supply Resilience: Strengthened long-term water distribution for a large region, offering a scalable model for UK utilities.
  • Operational Efficiency: Hydraulic modelling optimised energy use, reducing long-term operational costs.
  • Minimal Environmental Impact: Compliance-driven sustainability measures ensured regulatory adherence and future-proofed the network.

Relevance to the UK Water Sector

Setec’s expertise in large-scale water infrastructure provides UK utilities with innovative solutions to modern challenges:

  • Engineering Excellence: Proven expertise in large-scale pipeline and pump station design.
  • Infrastructure Navigation: Advanced methods for minimising disruption in urban and motorway-adjacent networks.
  • Operational Efficiency: Hydraulic modelling strategies that cut energy use and costs.
  • Sustainable Practices: Environmentally responsible approaches in line with UK regulatory and Net Zero goals.

Let’s Build the Future of UK Water Together

Utility managers, engineers, and consultants—discover how setec can support your projects with tailored engineering expertise.

  • Explore Our Expertise: Request access to our water infrastructure portfolio.
  • Stay Informed: Follow Setec UK on LinkedIn for the latest insights.
  • Get in Touch: Contact us at info.uk@setec.com or visit uk.setec.com.

Resilient, efficient, and sustainable water networks are within reach. Let’s build them together.