Potable Water Reservoirs

Background

Water in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is highly valued, making the newly constructed potable water reservoirs in the Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge areas a vital resource for the people living there. However, according to flood tests that were done, these reservoirs were experiencing leaks in their joints, cold joints, and tie holes. To permanently resolve this waterproofing issue, a complete, watertight waterproofing system that would be safe for potable water was required.

As the civil, water, and consulting engineers for the Department of Water Affairs (which is now known as the Department of Water and Sanitation), Masetlaoka Scott Wilson (Pty.) Ltd. knew they needed professional waterproofing done to get that watertight system and chose to contract Sanika Waterproofing Specialists for help. With the help of the Kryton-authorized distributor, Masetlaoka Scott Wilson (Pty.) Ltd. decided to apply Kryton’s Krystol Leak Repair System, which consists of the Krystol Plug™, Krystol Repair Grout™, and Krystol T1^®. They also decided to apply Krystol Bari-Cote. Forming a complete waterproofing system, both the Krystol Leak Repair System and Krystol Bari-Cote would render the reservoirs fully waterproof. They would also ensure the reservoirs remained safe to potable water as Kryton’s Krystol^® solutions have no volatile organic compounds and are certified by the NSF for safe contact with potable water.

Solution

Sanika Waterproofing Specialists got to work right away applying the Krystol Leak Repair System and Krystol Bari-Cote to the negative side of the reservoirs while they were still filled and in operation. They chiseled chases in the leaking areas. Then, they added the Krystol Plug to stop the flow of water with its rapid-setting hydraulic cement. Over top of that, they applied Krystol Repair Grout, which uses Krystol technology to chemically react with unhydrated cement particles and water to create crystals that fill up any potential pathways for water, further preventing leaks from continuing. After this stopped the active leaking, Sanika Waterproofing Specialists covered the repaired areas and elsewhere with a Krystol T1 and Krystol Bari-Cote coating, which uses Krystol technology for extra protection and to provide permanent waterproofing.

Because of this effort, the reservoirs were commissioned for use once more and had no leaks, ensuring they could supply water, a precious resource, to Mpumalanga residents.