Geomembrane waterproofing of the Berre drinking water reservoir

Abstract

The Causse Méjean Inter-Municipal Drinking Water Supply Syndicate (SIAEP Causse Méjean, Lozère, France) has had a drinking water storage basin built. The basin is on a permeable karstic plateau and is lined with a geomembrane. For environmental reasons, this geomembrane was covered with natural materials: limestone rocks and slabs from the site. The basin was filled in the autumn of 2004. After examining the objectives and conditions of this development and the way in which the construction work proceeded, we present a few lessons learned from the project. In particular, in situ test areas for the installation of Geomembrane Liner Systems (GLS) on slopes are described and attention is drawn to the precautions to be taken when installing a cover structure on a geomembrane on slope.