Water & Wastewater Industry

Protecting the Kingdom's most precious resource—and the infrastructure that delivers it

Water is the essence of life and the foundation of sustainable development. In Saudi Arabia, where water is scarcer than oil, the infrastructure that produces, treats, stores, and distributes water is among the most critical assets in the nation. Desalination plants along both coasts, massive water transmission pipelines, treatment facilities, pumping stations, and reservoirs form a complex network that must operate with absolute reliability. Any failure means service interruption, environmental risk, and significant economic impact.

At Arabian Company for Protection and Strengthening, we specialize in protecting and extending the life of water and wastewater infrastructure. Our engineering-led solutions address the unique challenges of this sector: containment integrity, chemical resistance, corrosion prevention, and the absolute need for zero leakage. We help asset owners and operators maintain reliable, durable, and compliant facilities.

Why Water & Wastewater Infrastructure Requires Specialized Protection

Water and wastewater facilities face a distinct set of degradation mechanisms that demand specialized engineering solutions.

Chemical attack: Wastewater contains hydrogen sulfide, which converts to sulfuric acid and attacks concrete (biogenic sulfide corrosion).
Microbially induced corrosion (MIC): Bacteria accelerate corrosion of both concrete and steel.
Abrasion and erosion: From suspended solids, grit, and high-velocity flows.
Leakage and infiltration: Water escaping from or entering structures through cracks and failed joints.
Corrosion of reinforcement: Chlorides from saline water or wastewater penetrate concrete and attack steel.
Freeze-thaw (in some regions): Though limited in Saudi Arabia, some facilities face temperature cycling.
Sulfate attack: On concrete from sulfate-bearing soils or wastewater.
Aging infrastructure: Many facilities are reaching an age where significant rehabilitation becomes necessary.
Potable water quality: Linings and coatings must not contaminate drinking water.

Our Services for the Water & Wastewater Industry

We deliver comprehensive protection, strengthening, and durability solutions tailored to the specific needs of water and wastewater infrastructure.

Waterproofing & Tank Lining

Absolute containment is the fundamental requirement of water infrastructure. We provide high-integrity waterproofing and lining systems for all types of water and wastewater structures.

Potable water tank linings

Certified safe: All potable water linings comply with NSF/ANSI 61, WRAS, or equivalent standards.
Epoxy linings: High-build, solvent-free epoxies for steel and concrete tanks.
Polyurethane linings: Flexible, seamless linings for concrete reservoirs.
Cementitious coatings: Inorganic, breathable coatings for concrete water storage.
Glass-reinforced epoxy: For enhanced durability in aggressive conditions.

Wastewater tank and basin linings

Chemical-resistant epoxies: Novolac and bisphenol A/F epoxies for aggressive wastewater.
Polyurea linings: Rapid-curing, flexible linings for primary and secondary containment.
Vinyl ester linings: Maximum chemical resistance for industrial wastewater.
Glass flake reinforced linings: Enhanced barrier properties against chemical attack.

Concrete tank and reservoir waterproofing

Liquid-applied membranes: Polyurethane and acrylic membranes for roof slabs and walls.
Cementitious waterproofing: Integral crystalline systems that become part of the concrete.
Bentonite panels: Self-sealing clay systems for below-grade structures.
Sheet membranes: PVC, HDPE, or bituminous membranes for critical applications.

Concrete Repair & Protection

Concrete deterioration in water and wastewater facilities can compromise structural integrity and allow leakage. We restore and protect concrete structures.

Structural concrete repair

Spalling repair: Removal of deteriorated concrete, cleaning and coating of reinforcement, rebuilding with high-strength repair mortars.
Crack injection: Epoxy injection for structural cracks; polyurethane injection for active leaks.
Honeycomb and void filling: Grouting of construction defects and voids.

Protective coatings for concrete

Anti-carbonation coatings: Breathable coatings that prevent CO2 and chloride ingress.
Chemical-resistant coatings: For areas exposed to aggressive wastewater.
Penetrating sealers: Hydrophobic treatments that repel water while allowing vapor transmission.

Sulfate-resistant repair systems

Specialized materials for structures exposed to sulfate-bearing soils or wastewater.
Calcium aluminate cement-based repair mortars for extreme conditions.

Cathodic Protection

Corrosion of steel in water and wastewater structures—whether reinforcement in concrete, steel tanks, or buried pipelines—can be stopped completely with cathodic protection.

Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP)

Applications: Steel water storage tanks, buried pipelines, reinforced concrete structures, intake screens.
Components: MMO titanium anodes, reference electrodes, transformer/rectifier units, remote monitoring.
Advantages: Adjustable current output, long anode life, suitable for large structures.

Galvanic (Sacrificial) Cathodic Protection

Applications: Tank interiors, valve chambers, localized areas, and structures in high-resistivity water.
Anode materials: Zinc, aluminum, or magnesium selected for water chemistry.
Advantages: No external power required, simple, reliable.

CP for reinforced concrete

Discrete anodes embedded in concrete repair areas.
Distributed anode systems for large concrete surfaces.
Continuous monitoring of protection levels.

Industrial Coating & Lining

Steel structures in water and wastewater facilities—pipes, tanks, gates, valves, and structural steel—require robust protection against corrosion.

Steel coatings

Epoxy coatings: High-build barrier protection for immersion service.
Polyurethane topcoats: UV protection for atmospheric exposure.
Zinc-rich primers: Sacrificial protection for steel in high-corrosion areas.

Pipe coatings and linings

FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy): For steel pipelines.
Cement mortar lining: For ductile iron and steel pipes.
Polyethylene encasement: For buried pipelines.

Gates, valves, and mechanical equipment

Specialized coatings for submerged and atmospheric exposure.
FDA-compliant coatings for potable water contact.
Abrasion-resistant coatings for high-velocity areas.

Structural Strengthening

Aging water and wastewater structures may require load capacity upgrades for new equipment or to address deterioration.

CFRP strengthening

CFRP wrapping of columns and beams: Increases load capacity and provides corrosion protection.
CFRP laminates for slabs: Flexural strengthening of tank roofs and walkways.
Advantages in water/wastewater: Corrosion-proof, lightweight, minimal disruption.

External post-tensioning

Strengthening of large concrete tanks and reservoirs.
Correction of cracking and deflection.

Section enlargement

Adding reinforced concrete to beams, columns, and walls.
Thickening of slabs for increased capacity.

Joint Sealing & Expansion Joint Repair

Joints are the most vulnerable points in water structures. Failed joints cause leakage and progressive deterioration.

Waterstop installation: PVC, rubber, or hydrophilic waterstops in new construction.
Joint sealant replacement: Removal of failed sealants and installation of new, water-compatible sealants.
Expansion joint covers: Installation of covers for accessibility and protection.
Crack induction joints: Saw-cutting and sealing to control future cracking.

Pipeline Protection & Rehabilitation

Water transmission pipelines are critical linear assets that must maintain integrity over decades and hundreds of kilometers.

External pipeline protection

Cathodic protection: For buried steel pipelines.
Coating repair: Field application of repair coatings for damaged sections.
Joint wrapping: Field-applied corrosion protection for pipe joints.

Internal pipeline rehabilitation

Cement mortar lining: In-situ application for existing pipelines.
Epoxy lining: Structural and protective lining for pipelines.
CIPP (Cured-in-Place Pipe): Trenchless rehabilitation of pipelines.
Slip lining: Insertion of new pipe within existing.

Pipeline structural strengthening

CFRP wrap for pipelines requiring pressure capacity upgrade.
Steel sleeve repair for localized damage.

Soil Injection & Foundation Stabilization

Settling foundations of tanks, basins, and pumping stations can lead to cracking, leakage, and operational problems. We stabilize soils and lift settled structures.

Compaction grouting: Low-mobility grout to densify loose soils and lift structures.
Chemical grouting: Permeation grouting to strengthen and waterproof soils.
Resin injection: Expanding polyurethane resins to fill voids and lift settled slabs.
Underpinning: Extending foundations to deeper, more stable soil layers.

Structural Evaluation & Non-Destructive Testing

Before designing repairs or upgrades, we thoroughly assess the condition of water and wastewater structures using advanced NDT methods.

Concrete evaluation

Rebound hammer for strength estimation.
Ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) for internal quality.
Cover meter for reinforcement location.
Half-cell potential for corrosion activity.
Chloride and carbonation testing.
Petrographic examination of deteriorated concrete.

Leak detection

Hydrostatic testing of tanks and basins.
Electronic leak location for buried pipelines.
Thermal imaging for moisture mapping.

Tank and basin integrity assessment

Internal visual inspection (confined space entry).
Ultrasonic thickness testing of steel tanks.
Acoustic emission testing for active corrosion.

Passive Fire Protection

Water and wastewater facilities include pump stations, control buildings, and sometimes chemical storage areas requiring fire protection.

Structural steel fire protection: Intumescent coatings for exposed steel in buildings.
Firestop systems: Sealing penetrations in fire-rated walls and floors.
Cable protection: Fire-resistant coatings for critical electrical circuits.

Standards & Compliance

We adhere to international and Saudi standards for water and wastewater infrastructure.

Saudi Building Code (SBC).
Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) standards.
Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) standards.
AWWA (American Water Works Association) standards: D100, D102, D104, C210, etc.
NSF/ANSI 61: Drinking water system components - health effects.
WRAS: UK Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (potable water approval).
ACI 350: Environmental structures code.
NACE/AMPP: Corrosion control standards.
ISO 12944: Protective coatings.

Typical Water & Wastewater Assets We Serve

Desalination plants (intake structures, process tanks, product water storage).
Water treatment plants (clarifiers, filters, chemical storage, clear wells).
Wastewater treatment plants (headworks, aeration basins, clarifiers, digesters).
Pumping stations (wet wells, dry wells, valve chambers).
Potable water storage reservoirs (ground level, elevated, underground).
Water transmission pipelines (steel, ductile iron, concrete, GRP).
Sewage collection systems (pipelines, manholes, lift stations).
Stormwater drainage systems (culverts, detention basins, outfalls).
Equalization tanks and lagoons.
Chemical storage and feed facilities.
Administration and control buildings.

Why Water & Wastewater Operators Choose Arabian Company

Specialized expertise: Our engineers understand the unique challenges of water and wastewater infrastructure—biogenic corrosion, chemical attack, containment integrity.
Potable water certifications: All materials used in potable water contact are certified safe for drinking water.
Minimal operational disruption: We plan work around facility operations, utilizing shutdowns and phased execution.
Turnkey capability: From condition assessment through design, execution, and long-term monitoring.
Leak-free guarantee: We design and install systems for absolute containment.
Safety culture: Rigorous adherence to confined space entry protocols, plant safety requirements, and permit-to-work systems.
Proven track record: Successful projects at major water and wastewater facilities across the Kingdom.

Case Study Highlight: Potable Water Reservoir Lining – Riyadh

Client: National Water Company
Scope: Rehabilitation of a 50,000 m³ concrete potable water reservoir with deteriorated internal coating.
Challenge: Reservoir provided water to a major district; could only be taken out of service for 30 days. New lining had to be certified safe for drinking water and durable for 15+ years.
Solution: High-pressure water jetting to remove old coating; surface preparation; application of NSF/ANSI 61 certified solvent-free epoxy lining system; accelerated curing; bacteriological testing before return to service.
Outcome: Reservoir returned to service on schedule with zero water quality issues. New lining expected to last 20+ years.

Case Study Highlight: Wastewater Treatment Plant Concrete Repair – Dammam

Client: Municipality
Scope: Repair of severely deteriorated aeration basins and clarifiers due to biogenic sulfide corrosion.
Challenge: Extensive concrete loss; exposed and corroded reinforcement; plant had to remain operational during repairs.
Solution: Hydro-demolition of deteriorated concrete; cleaning and coating of rebar; installation of sacrificial anodes in repair areas; rebuilding with chemical-resistant repair mortar; application of protective lining system over entire basin surfaces.
Outcome: Basins restored to structural integrity with enhanced resistance to future corrosion. Plant operated continuously throughout phased repairs.

Case Study Highlight: Cathodic Protection for Steel Water Pipeline – Eastern Province

Client: Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC)
Scope: Design and installation of impressed current cathodic protection for a 120 km steel water transmission pipeline.
Challenge: Pipeline crossed multiple soil resistivity zones; existing coating had aged; corrosion risk was high.
Solution: Detailed soil resistivity survey; design of distributed CP system with multiple rectifier stations; installation of MMO titanium anodes in deep vertical groundbeds; remote monitoring system for continuous verification.
Outcome: Full cathodic protection achieved across entire pipeline. Remote monitoring confirms ongoing protection. Projected extension of pipeline life: 30+ years.

Case Study Highlight: Pump Station Wet Well Rehabilitation – Jeddah

Client: Municipal wastewater operator
Scope: Severe corrosion of concrete wet well at major sewage pumping station.
Challenge: Hydrogen sulfide attack had caused extensive concrete loss above water line; station operated continuously; confined space entry required.
Solution: Specialized confined space access; high-pressure water jetting to remove deteriorated concrete; application of rapid-setting repair mortars; installation of sacrificial anodes; final coating with chemical-resistant epoxy lining.
Outcome: Wet well fully restored with enhanced resistance to future biogenic corrosion. Station remained operational during night-shift repairs.

Contact Our Water & Wastewater Team

To discuss how Arabian Company can protect and strengthen your water or wastewater infrastructure, please contact our dedicated Water & Wastewater sector team.

Arabian Company for Protection and Strengthening
Email: water@arabiancompany.sa
Phone: +966 13 800 4477
24/7 Emergency Response for Water Facilities: +966 50 444 5566

Offices in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Jubail, and Yanbu – serving water infrastructure across the Kingdom.

— Protecting the infrastructure that delivers life —