Ecoprod’s involvement

Ecoprod was introduced to the RHS by Janet Manning. Our role was to assess the condition of the underground tanks and provide a roadmap for bringing them back into use as part of a long-term sustainable water strategy.

Stage 1 – Tank 1 inspection and testing

Ecoprod, led by project manager Jamie Vacher, carried out the following works on Tank 1:

• Safely emptied, cleaned and inspected the underground tank.
• Refilled the tank to assess capacity and carried out a full leak test.
• Produced a detailed report on the tank’s condition and performance.

This initial work confirmed the viability of refurbishing the tank and provided clarity on the scale of work required.

Stage 2 – planning for full refurbishment

Following the successful completion of Stage 1, Ecoprod is now working with the RHS to scope out the refurbishment of both Tank 1 and Tank 2 and carrying out a detailed assessment of:-

• Tank 2 condition and required works.
• Existing mains network infrastructure.
• SPID (Supply Point Identifier) requirements.
• Feasibility of a permanent connection between the borehole and both underground tanks.

A full specification and cost proposal will be submitted to the RHS, providing them with clear options for long-term investment.

Outcomes and future benefits

The ultimate goal of the project is to enable the RHS to use borehole water, stored in refurbished underground tanks, as a permanent fixed infrastructure for the Chelsea site. This will provide several benefits:

• Reduced reliance on mains potable water – cutting costs and environmental impact.
• Improved water resilience – ensuring irrigation supply during peak demand periods such as the Chelsea Flower Show.
• Avoiding costly licence uplift – by using tanks for storage, the RHS may not need to apply to the EA for increased borehole abstraction.
• Futureproofing operations – investing in sustainable infrastructure that aligns with RHS’s environmental commitments.

Conclusion

Through careful inspection, testing and planning, Ecoprod is helping the RHS to restore and futureproof its water infrastructure at Chelsea. By bringing the underground tanks back into use and linking them with the existing borehole, the RHS can reduce its dependence on mains water, improve sustainability and ensure the long-term resilience of one of the UK’s most iconic events.