Sediment Removal

Snapinst.app_116429929_166593314974812_1200843670781515334_n_1080-1920w.webp

Advanced Sediment Removal for Potable Water Reservoirs

Sediment buildup in potable water reservoirs can compromise water quality, reduce storage capacity, exceed consistent chlorine dosage levels and affect system efficiency. At Aquavision Services LTD, we provide next-level reservoir sediment removal using our remote-controlled Crawler Vac system. This advanced non-invasive solution eliminates the need for traditional human entry, ensuring a safe, efficient, and contamination-free maintenance process. NO confined space entry and NO human contact with the water.

By deploying our remotely operated crawler vac unit, we remove accumulated sediment, debris, insects and rodents from the reservoir floor without taking the system offline. This minimizes service disruption, preserves fire protection storage, and upholds the highest water safety standards across municipal, private water systems and First Nation Communities throughout British Columbia.

Why Sediment Removal Matters

Improves Water Quality

Eliminates contaminants, biofilm, insect / rodent accumulation and debris.

Prevents Bacterial Growth

Reduces the risk of harmful bacteria thriving in septic sediment layers and maintains proper chlorine dosage residuals

Maintains Reservoir Capacity

Prevents sediment buildup from reducing available storage and maintains clear path of least resistance to outflow..

Preserves System Efficiency

Enhances quality water circulation and extends infrastructure lifespan.

Ensures Regulatory Compliance

Meets Health Authority guidelines for potable water maintenance.

How Our Crawler Vac Service Works

ROV Inspection – A preliminary ROV assessment determines sediment levels and reservoir conditions.
Crawler Vac Deployment – The unit enters the reservoir through the entry hatch and is controlled remotely from the proximity of the hatch.
Targeted Sediment Removal – The Crawler Vac moves across the reservoir floor, extracting sediment, insect/rodent accumulation and smaller debris with precision suction technology.
No Service Disruption – Operations continue while the reservoir remains online and fully operational.
Final Inspection & Reporting – A post-cleaning evaluation ensures optimal results, with video recording during most of the process of all relevant observations and provided for client records.

What Does the Crawler Vac Service Involve?

Who conducts the sediment removal?
A trained Crawler Vac pilot and assistant for the actual process (TWO Man Crew) and a water system operator to provide access to the site.
Where does the process take place?
All functions are controlled from topside, within the proximity of the hatch, with NO confined space entry required.
What types of reservoirs can be cleaned?
The Crawler Vac is suitable for:
- In-ground concrete reservoirs
- Partial above-ground concrete reservoirs
- Fully above-ground concrete reservoirs
- Above-ground Steel reservoirs
- And any other tanks that have suitable access topside. In some cases a crane service is required to lift our gear topside, depending on the reservoir height and roof limitations.
Are there any reservoir design limitations?
- The Crawler Vac is limited with steel reservoirs that have ridged and riveted floor panels.
- Reservoirs with sloped floors or multi-tiered levels may have operational constraints.
- Reservoirs with internal baffling walls

Reservoir Remains Online During the Inspection Process

ROV inspections do not require the reservoir to be taken offline, meaning there is no disruption to service. This ensures uninterrupted water supply and no shut down requirements.
NO Confined Space Entry & All Equipment is Designated for Potable Water ONLY

Unlike traditional inspection methods, our ROV inspections eliminate the need for human entry into the reservoir. This reduces the risk of contamination and ensures sterile conditions for potable water. Additionally, our equipment undergoes extensive sterilization and is used exclusively for potable water applications.
Cost-Effective Solution

Conventional inspections often involve draining the reservoir, hiring confined space entry teams, and extensive labor costs. ROV inspections eliminate these expenses and based on proximity, multiple reservoirs can be inspected in a day onsite. Making this a more affordable and efficient option for long-term reservoir maintenance.
Regulatory Compliance & Water Quality

ROV inspections help municipalities and water utilities comply with British Columbia’s water safety regulations. By ensuring that reservoir interiors meet regulatory standards, utilities can avoid violations and potential health risks associated with unmaintained reservoirs.
Regular Monitoring between Cleaning Cycles

Regular ROV inspections allow a cost-effective way for ongoing monitoring of potable water reservoirs. By establishing a visual and documented record over annually scheduled inspections assist in determining when cleaning is required and identifying unexpected changes before they become costly repairs or create water quality issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the reservoir need to be shut down?

No. The Crawler Vac system operates while the reservoir remains online, ensuring uninterrupted service.

What about confined space entry procedures?

There is no confined space entry—all work is conducted remotely from topside.

How long does it take to clean a reservoir?

The time required depends on:

Reservoir size and accessibility
Sediment depth and overall condition
Most estimates are determined after an initial ROV inspection.

Are there situations where alternative services are recommended?

While our Crawler Vac system is highly effective, we do not discourage alternative methods of cleaning if needed. In most cases, an ROV inspection has been done prior to a scheduled Sediment Removal project.

This ensures two very valuable aspects:

We can conclude from the initial ROV inspection that the Crawler Vac is suitable for the required reservoir and will effectively do what is required.
As well as, after the initial ROV inspection, there might not be any need for any further action to be taken.

What is the recommended frequency of sediment removal?

There is no regulated timeline, but most utilities follow best practices of cleaning every 4-5 years, depending on:

Health Authority recommendations
Water quality monitoring results and fluctuations
Sediment accumulation over the season
Water source quality
Any time there is a detectable rodent infestation or chlorine dosage is increasing on an above normal level
Poor water quality or turbidity issues
NO documentation or records of reservoirs ever been cleaned
Any reservoir that hasn’t been cleaned for 10 years or more!

Schedule a Crawler Vac Sediment Removal Service Today

Maintain a clean, efficient, and compliant potable water reservoir with Aquavision Services LTD. Our advanced crawler vac technology ensures safe, effective sediment removal without service interruption.