Project Details

CLIENT

NI Water

YEAR

2019

COST

£750,000

OVERVIEW

FME, in joint venture with Euro Services, successfully delivered new water treatment works on Rathlin Island for Northern Ireland Water. The primary driver for the project was to improve potable water quality on the island in line with the latest Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) regulations.

This complex project brought modern water treatment technologies to one of Northern Ireland’s most remote communities, overcoming logistical and environmental challenges to meet strict quality and compliance standards.

SCOPE OF WORKS

The work involved the installation of the Magnetic Ion Exchange (MIEX®) Process, developed by IXOM (USA), within a fluidised bed reactor. This marked the first time the MIEX® technology had been used in Northern Ireland.

Key elements of the installation included:

  • New borewell pumps
  • New Chlorus disinfection system
  • Various pumpsets and instruments

New Motor Control Centre (MCC) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) for full automation

CHALLENGES AND DELIVERY

The remote island location presented a number of challenges – unpredictable weather, limited ferry access and constrained delivery schedules. Despite this, the project team – including NI Water, Doran Consulting, FME, Euro Services and local subcontractors – collaborated effectively with the island community to deliver the works on time.

The treatment system has been fully operational since November 2019, providing high-quality drinking water to Rathlin’s residents and ensuring long-term regulatory compliance.

KEY COLLABORATORS

  • Client: NI Water
  • Consultant: Doran Consulting

JV Contractors: FME & Euro Services