With over 11 billion litres of domestic and industrial waste water and rainwater run-off discharged daily into sewers, expert management is needed to protect the environment and public health. Buro Happold has a proven track record in delivering innovative and sustainable water solutions on a wide variety of public and private sector projects. We are able to ‘open up’ a new development by linking buildings and stormwater systems into the existing public sewerage network.

Our specialist water team delivers practical – and sensitive – waste water strategies and detailed designs that adhere to rigorous British and international standards. We cover the whole waste water spectrum, from the design of treatment works and tunnels to hydrological analysis of flow, leakage and water quality. Above all, we understand the complex economic, social, ecological and human health issues that surround the utilisation of this precious resource.

A combination of water scarcity, more stringent legislation and the need to minimise discharge into rivers has put water re-use high on the environmental agenda. Our water engineers are familiar with the regulations governing waste water removal and are able to steer the design towards meeting sustainability targets and planning requirements. Buro Happold is in the forefront of water treatment and recycling technology, such as schemes for re-using ‘grey’ water for crop irrigation.

We have extensive experience of working with local drainage authorities and official bodies including the Environment Agency – all our designs are developed and procured in accordance with the Water Industries Act, Water Resources Act and Land Drainage Act. As well as designing below-ground drainage networks, our water engineering expertise also covers in-channel hydraulic structures, flood protection measures and attenuation features including tanks, lagoons and reservoirs.