Guernsey Water

Guernsey Water

After a number of years in the planning, in early 2021, Guernsey Water joined the Refill movement in an effort to tackle the problem of waste plastic. Being a small island, with a coastline of around 29 miles, Guernsey has seen first-hand, the devastating impact that waste plastic is having on the world’s oceans. Working with Refill.org, and its official water fountain partner, MIW Water Cooler Experts, Guernsey Water embarked upon a programme to promote a refill culture on the island, beginning with the installation of a number of wall mounted and floor standing water refill stations.

The Brief

Working to accommodate a fixed budget and strict planning regulations, Guernsey Water had a very specific set of requirements that they needed MIW Water Cooler Experts to assist with.

• The first stage of this project for MIW was to provide advice upon various aspects of the planned installations. Were the intended sites viable? What equipment would best answer the needs of the public who would be using the outdoor drinking fountains? Would the equipment be capable of withstanding the windy and exposed locations? Would installation require any additional groundworks? And all of the logistics pertaining to equipment sourcing, delivery and installation.
• All equipment installed would need to comply with the stringent water authority guidelines provided by the Guernsey Water Technical Division. It must also be easy to use, easy to maintain, and accessible to as wide a number of users as possible, including those in wheelchairs.
• Prior to delivery, the selected equipment would need to be branded with Guernsey Water’s bespoke livery and messaging.
• All equipment would need to be supplied by MIW within a fixed time scale, working to an installation timetable developed in collaboration with Guernsey Water’s Project Management Team.
• Lastly, post installation, MIW would be required to deliver a full aftersales service, including remote unit maintenance, problem solving and monitoring.

The Process

Specialists in WRAS-approved (Water Regulation Advisory Scheme) bottle fillers and drinking fountains, the easiest part of this project for MIW was to identify equipment that both met the rigorous technical standards laid out by Guernsey Water, and delivered the expected service. MIW recommended a selection of free-standing and wall-mounted Elkay water refill stations.

Made from marine grade stainless steel, the Elkay outdoor drinking fountains have been designed to withstand the harshest of environmental conditions. Powder coated and finished by MIW with four coats of high-quality marine paint and a protective lacquer, these units will not succumb to rust, despite the salty sea spray and potentially exposed locations. They are also connected to the new Elkay direct ground burry adapter, which can reduce installation time by as much as 80%.

To ensure that the water bottle fillers remain accessible and ready for use year-round, before shipping, MIW customised each of the units with upgraded freeze resistant core lining and additional insulation. Throughout the project, the MIW team were able to suggest improvements and equipment upgrades which would negate the potential for future unit failure and damage, thanks to the salt deposits in the air.

Finally, MIW’s skilled team hand finished each of the individual outdoor drinking fountains with Guernsey Water’s bespoke livery – designed by MIW – and distinctive, highly detailed logo. The team needed to work to very fine tolerances to ensure continuity across the installations.

THE COMPLETED PROJECT

Working closely with the Guernsey Water Project Management Team throughout, MIW successfully completed this project to time and to budget. The water refill stations were sourced, customised and delivered inline with a pre-agreed schedule. Working remotely, the MIW team oversaw installation, providing all technical support necessary.
MIW continues to provide support for all of the outdoor drinking fountain supplied to Guernsey Water, offering information, advice and assistance wherever required.