The Concrete Wash Water Working Group brings together industry professionals and stakeholders who have a mutual interest in improving the management of concrete wash water on construction sites. The group meets four times a year, alternating between face to face meeting and online video calls.
The purpose of the group is to promote best practice in the treatment, storage and management of concrete wash water, helping construction projects reduce environmental risks and maintain high standards of health and safety.
Concrete wash water can be highly alkaline and may contain suspended solids, cementitious materials and other substances that can present risks to watercourses, drainage systems, soil and site personnel if it is not properly contained and managed. Effective treatment and storage are therefore important elements of responsible construction site management.
The Working Group aims to:
Promote practical and effective approaches to the containment, storage, treatment and disposal of concrete wash water.
Raise awareness of the environmental and health and safety risks associated with concrete wash water.
Encourage the sharing of industry knowledge, experience and best practice.
Support construction companies, contractors and site teams in developing appropriate procedures for managing concrete wash water.
Encourage improved understanding of relevant environmental, waste and health and safety requirements.
Identify opportunities for innovation and the development of improved treatment and management techniques.
Instigate and promote active discussions between the stakeholder, the regulator and other interested parties.
The group provides a forum for constructive discussion between industry, environmental professionals, treatment specialists and other relevant stakeholders. Its aim is not simply to identify the challenges associated with concrete wash water, but to promote practical solutions that can be implemented effectively on construction sites.
Through collaboration and the sharing of experience, the Concrete Wash Water Working Group seeks to contribute to a more consistent, responsible and environmentally sustainable approach to concrete wash water management across the construction industry.