Glastonbury keeps the pressure on

There are many aspects that need to be considered when planning an event like this to make it work, and playing a vital role, is the availability and accessibility of sufficient clean water.  This year, this involved Grundfos Pumps being asked to advise the organisers in relation to the water boosting and delivery aspects. This was to ensure that the equipment remained fit for purpose and to see if there were any additional opportunities to further optimise the system.

Following on from a detailed site survey of the three plant rooms, each of which already had its own Grundfos booster set in situ, saw attention turn to the overall control and efficiency of the units. This was an important aspect as energy use and sustainability are always high on Glastonbury’s agenda.  As a result, attention was then focussed on the pump motors, updating the dosing system, and looking at ways to improve the remote monitoring that would help to streamline the water demand and delivery.

Coming up with a bespoke solution to this unique requirement, Grundfos put forward a coordinated approach that involved several suggested activities. This involved the upgrade of the pump motors to more energy efficient versions, the incorporation of a new precision dosing system and a remote monitoring system that would mean a significant improvement in data exchange. 

These improvements were designed not only to help to ensure the stability of the supply but would also mean that the new upgrades would significantly reduce energy demand as well as leakages, as proportional control puts less pressure on the system. The new Grundfos dosing solution not only allowed for precise and accurate dosing but also greatly reduced chemical use.

All these changes are overarched by the new Grundfos remote monitoring system which will mean that all aspects of the network can be accessed and interrogated 24/7, with an instant inbuilt alarm to advise of any issues. With Bristol Water heavily involved with ensuring the water supply is sufficient, the new remote monitoring of the water usage proved to be a particularly helpful tool.  

This 5-day extravaganza attracted visitors from all over the world and it did not disappoint, confirming that this is not so much of a festival but a life enhancing event. It would be hard for the 1,500 people who attended the very first Pilton Pop Festival back in 1970 to envisage what it would look like nearly 50 years later. But then, as now, Glastonbury Festival still takes place at Worthy Farm. And although Grundfos Pumps did not feature on the Pyramid Stage nor were they listed in a programme, they are very proud to have played a small role in delivering an important, if a rather taken for granted element - water.