Usk Reservoir Project Nears Completion as Underwater Installation Phase Wraps Up
Work at Usk Reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park has reached a major milestone, with Edwards Diving Services successfully completing the full subsurface installation phase.
The project, which began in July last year, centred on the installation of twin 1.4m siphon pipes designed to increase the reservoir’s drawdown capacity in emergency situations. The works form part of essential safety measures identified during an engineering inspection, ensuring the reservoir meets required standards.
Building on earlier progress above water, the team has now completed all subsurface works. The experience gained during the initial dry installation phase proved invaluable, allowing the same level of precision and methodology to be applied underwater – where conditions are significantly more challenging.
As the project approached completion, Paul Edwards, Managing Director, and Steve Richings, Commercial Director, visited the site to see the progress first-hand. Hosted by Diving Supervisors Jamie Burns and Sion Morgon, the visit provided a detailed look at how the installation had been delivered beneath the surface.
A key part of the operation was the use of Edwards Diving Services’ deck crane, mounted on a heavy-duty modular pontoon system. This setup enabled controlled lifting and positioning throughout the works, highlighting the strength of the company’s integrated lifting and marine capabilities on complex inland water projects.
“The pontoon and deck crane setup gave us the control we needed throughout the installation,” said Jamie. “When you’re handling components of this size, especially in a reservoir environment, precision is everything – and that’s exactly what this allowed us to achieve.”
Delivered as part of the wider project led by JN Bentley, this phase of the project highlights Edwards Diving Services’ ability to combine in-house civil engineering expertise with specialist diving operations where accuracy, safety, and adaptability are critical.
Paul added: “Every project brings its own challenges, and Usk Reservoir was no different. It’s great to see the team pull everything together and deliver such a strong result on site.”
With this phase now complete, the team will return to site at a later stage to install trash screens once the client has finalised their works and pressure testing has been carried out.
This project stands as a strong example of how careful planning, practical engineering, and experienced diving teams come together to deliver critical infrastructure improvements in challenging environments.
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