Client overview:
The client is a renowned rugby league club based in the UK, with a strong presence in both domestic and European competitions. The club has earned a reputation for its excellence on the field and its commitment to maintaining world-class facilities for its players and staff. As part of its ongoing efforts to uphold sustainability and optimise operational efficiency, the club sought an advanced solution for recycling water used in turf care equipment washdowns, such as tractors and mowers.
The challenge:
The washdown process for turf care machinery, whilst essential for maintaining high-quality pitch conditions, resulted in significant water usage. Given the club’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact and the increasing concern over water conservation, the club needed a solution that would reduce water wastage whilst allowing for the continued use of large equipment without compromising on performance.
Additionally, the club needed a solution that would ensure full compliance with local trade effluent restrictions. The washdown water from the turf care equipment, which may contain contaminants like oils and chemicals, must be managed according to strict regulations to avoid polluting the local drainage system or receiving penalties.
The primary challenge was designing and implementing a system capable of capturing, filtering and recycling the water used during the wash process whilst also managing the potential issue of system flooding due to excess rainwater during periods of non-use. The club also required a reliable solution with minimal maintenance and disruption to their daily operations.
The solution: GM-MKII Turf Care Wash System
Our company was selected to provide an innovative solution in the form of the GM-MKII Turf Care Wash System. This state-of-the-art system is specifically designed for turf care equipment and is capable of recycling around 97% of the water used during the washdown process.
Key features of the GM-MKII system include:
- Water recycling: The GM-MKII captures and filters all water used during the equipment wash process, removing contaminants such as oils, dirt and grass residues. The filtered water is then recirculated, ensuring that the system significantly reduces the amount of water used.
- Rainwater diversion valve: A critical feature of the GM-MKII system is its valve that diverts excess rainwater to a surface drain, preventing flooding of the system when it is not in use. This ensures that the system remains operational even in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, whilst protecting the infrastructure from water buildup that could affect its efficiency and lifespan.
- Compliance with trade effluent restrictions: The GM-MKII system ensures that the site remains fully compliant with local trade effluent regulations. The filtration process effectively removes harmful contaminants from the wash water, such as oils and chemicals, ensuring that the water being recirculated or diverted meets environmental standards. The system guarantees that the club is adhering to regulatory requirements, protecting the club from potential fines or penalties related to trade effluent management.
- Seamless integration and civil works: The installation of the GM-MKII system also required civil works to ensure proper infrastructure and system functionality. Our team worked closely with the club to carry out the necessary site preparation, including trenching and the installation of drainage systems to manage excess water. This ensured that the GM-MKII system was optimally integrated into the club’s existing washdown facilities with minimal disruption.
- Sustainability: The GM-MKII system aligns with the club’s commitment to environmental stewardship. By recycling water, the system reduces water consumption and lowers operational costs, allowing the club to operate in a more sustainable manner.
Ongoing support and maintenance:
In addition to the installation of the GM-MKII system, we also provide the club with ongoing support and regular maintenance services. This includes scheduled servicing, system checks, and troubleshooting to ensure that the system operates at peak efficiency. Our support team is always available to assist with any questions or issues that may arise, providing peace of mind to the club’s facilities management team.
Regular maintenance visits include:
- System performance checks to ensure the filtration and recycling processes are operating as expected.
- Inspection of key components such as the pump, valves and filtration units to prevent wear and tear.
- Cleaning and maintenance of the rainwater diversion system to ensure it continues to function effectively during adverse weather conditions.
Our ongoing support ensures that the GM-MKII system remains fully operational throughout the year, providing the club with continued water savings, compliance with trade effluent restrictions and peace of mind regarding the sustainability of their turf care operations.
Implementation:
The installation process was completed in a seamless and efficient manner over a four-day period. Our team conducted the following steps:
- Site assessment and civil works: We performed an on-site assessment to determine the optimal location for the GM-MKII system and its components. Civil works included trenching for the installation of drainage pipes to divert rainwater and ensure the system’s longevity.
- System installation: The GM-MKII system was installed, with all necessary components, including the filtration unit, rainwater diversion valve, and recirculation pump, placed in strategic locations. The installation was done with minimal disruption to the club’s daily operations.
- Training and handover: Following the installation, our team provided in-depth training to the club’s maintenance staff. This training covered system operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting, ensuring the club’s team could operate and maintain the system efficiently.
Results:
The installation of the GM-MKII Turf Care Wash System has yielded a range of positive outcomes for the club:
1. Significant water savings: The GM-MKII system has enabled the club to recycle the water used in its turf care washdowns, resulting in a marked reduction in overall water consumption. This not only helps the club save money on water bills but also reduces its environmental footprint.
2. Cost savings: By eliminating the need for new water supplies, the system has led to substantial operational cost savings. The system’s closed-loop design reduces the need for external water treatment and disposal, further contributing to cost efficiency.
3. Flood prevention: The rainwater diversion valve has ensured that excess rainwater is effectively managed, preventing flooding of the system during periods of non-use. This feature has been crucial in maintaining the system’s reliability and preventing potential disruptions in its operation.
4. Compliance with trade effluent restrictions: With the GM-MKII system in place, the club is fully compliant with trade effluent regulations, ensuring that any water discharged from the system does not exceed the allowable limits for contaminants. This compliance protects the club from any legal or financial repercussions related to trade effluent management.
5. Sustainability commitment: The club’s commitment to sustainability has been reinforced through the adoption of the GM-MKII system. With the system in place, the club has taken a significant step toward reducing its environmental impact, aligning its operations with best practices in water conservation and resource management.
6. Operational efficiency: The club’s maintenance team has reported an increase in operational efficiency, with the GM-MKII system providing a reliable and user-friendly solution. The system’s ease of use and low maintenance requirements have contributed to smoother operations and minimal downtime.
Conclusion:
The installation of the GM-MKII Turf Care Wash System at this leading UK rugby league club has provided a comprehensive solution to the challenge of water conservation and trade effluent management in turf care operations. With its ability to recycle the wash water, the integration of a rainwater diversion valve to prevent flooding, ongoing support and compliance with trade effluent regulations, the system has proven to be both environmentally sustainable and operationally efficient.
By implementing the GM-MKII, the club has reduced its water consumption, cut operational costs, ensured regulatory compliance and demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability. The system’s seamless integration into the club’s existing infrastructure, supported by the necessary civil works, ensures that the turf care equipment washdowns can continue without interruption while preserving the club’s resources. The GM-MKII system stands as a model for other sports organisations seeking to minimise their environmental impact while maintaining high standards of turf care.
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