The industry's leading water sport competition. A team time trial in which two contestants drill and tap a 150mm diameter ductile iron main under pressure and connect a service tap.
"The competition is great place to meet new people and talk about other aspects of work and my day job. Friendship and networking is a key part of the competition."
Pete Haslock,
Driller, Sembcorp Bournemouth Water
"Overall a great experience, from the time trials we held to select the teams to represent Wessex Water, to the three days spent in Birmingham participating. It was great to take part and meet teams from other water companies in the UK and abroad."
Wayne Hansford,
Coach, Wessex Water
"As a judge I have witnessed the networking, friendships and camaraderie which develops between competing teams. Having seen the spirit and enthusiasm shown by the 2010 champions from Balfour Beatty on returning to their workplace, I would encourage other companies not yet involved to give it a go!"
Malcolm Holmes,
Judge Anglian, Water
The competition
Drilling and Tapping pits teams of water industry employees (from office staff to managers; inspectors and ground crews) against each other in a race to connect a property to the mains water supply - all safely simulated at the NEC in Birmingham. The competition tests skill as well as speed, with time penalties for less-than-perfect workmanship. The event is a team time trial with two contestants. Their aim is to drill and tap a 150mm-diameter ductile iron main under pressure and install a simulated service connection. Skill, dexterity and speed are prime requirements, but quality is paramount and time penalty points are added if there are any leaks or infringements of the Rules & Regulations governing the Championships.
Format
The championships consist of a series of heats in whereby teams will have two runs before the fastest six teams will be pit against each other in the final.
Awards
The overall winners of the competition go on to represent the UK at the American Water Works Association Exhibition, courtesy of sponsors Saint Gobain PAM. The Pipetech Ladies Trophy; Talis Trophy; Best Newcomer; Best Contractor and Best International Team trophies are also awarded.
Judges
Three Judges with significant experience in this field supervise at all times along with an overall referee who has final ruling on any penalties given.
Winning Teams and Times
1989: North Surrey: 6 mins 42 secs
1990: Anglian Water: 4 mins 39 secs
1991: Anglian Water: 3 mins 43 secs
1992: Thames Water: 3 mins 12 secs
1993: Thames Water: 2 mins 30 secs
1994: Anglian Water: 2 mins 31 secs
1995: Thames Water: 2 mins 32 secs
1996: South West Water: 2 mins 27 secs
1997: Three Valleys Water: 2 mins 26 secs
1998: Three Valleys Water: 2 mins 17 secs
1999: South West Water: 2 mins 06 secs
2000: Three Valleys Water: 2 mins 15 secs
2001: Wessex Water: 2 mins 32 secs
2002: B&WH/Mowlems: 2 mins 22 secs
2003: Northern Ireland Water: 2 mins 24 secs
2004: Enterprise: 2 mins 25 secs
2005: B&WH Water: 2 mins 07 secs
2006: Anglian Water: 2 mins 16 secs
2007: B&WH Water: 2 mins 12 secs
2008: B&WH Water: 2 mins 17 secs
2009: Severn Trent Water: 2 mins 30 secs
2010: Balfour Beatty: 2 mins 24 secs
2011: Sembcorp Bournemouth Water: 2 mins 32 secs
Interested in competing?
The next competition will take place at Sustainabilitylive! 22-24 May 2012 at the NEC Birmingham.
To take part please complete and return an application form. Full support and advice on competing is available upon request.
For further technical information about the competition (equipment, materials, safety, rules and regulations) and a list of all sponsors please visit: www.drillingandtapping.co.uk or contact Lyndsey Gilmartin on 0191 422 0088; e-mail: lyndsey@instituteofwater.org.uk
