Their Biggest Project Yet: Driftsteknikk Takes on Nordre Follo’s New High-Level Reservoir
When Driftsteknikk began work in September on a new high-level reservoir and fire-water basin for Nordre Follo municipality, it marked a milestone: the company’s largest single project to date, with a contract value of NOK 2.4 million.
For Managing Director Fredrik Olsen Hagstrøm and Project Manager Ulrik Holm, the project is much more than a big number. It’s a clear signal of trust from a municipality that prioritises the safety and stability of its entire drinking-water chain.
Proof That Good Work Leads to More Work
Nordre Follo is no stranger to Driftsteknikk. Five years ago, the company delivered a similar high-level reservoir for the same municipality through contractor Park & Anlegg. Since then, Driftsteknikk has become a familiar and valued partner, particularly through its Noritas odour-reduction systems, now installed in 14– 15 municipalities across the region.
“We’re not the cheapest,” Fredrik says. “But they chose us because of what we’ve proven. In this business, it’s action that counts.”
This new project, located in Skotbu, a small settlement challenged by long distances in its water and wastewater network, is the most significant assignment Driftsteknikk has ever taken on for Nordre Follo.
We’re not the cheapest. But they chose us because of what we’ve proven. In this business, it’s action that counts.
Why the Project Matters
Skotbu’s water and wastewater infrastructure has been under pressure as the municipality has grown and merged. Long distances cause poor wastewater conditions, outdated satellite treatment plants no longer meet today’s requirements, and large residential areas need reliable fire-water capacity.
The solution is an entirely new high-level reservoir of 5000 m³, upgraded underground piping, new pump systems, and a firewater basin, which strengthens the entire district’s drinking-water security. The project is scheduled for completion in February 2026.
Driftsteknikk’s technical delivery started in November:
- laying outlet pipes from the reservoir
- building the lower pipe chamber (“rørkjelleren”)
- preparing the foundation and concrete structures
- assembling the complete mechanical and technical installation in the months ahead
Skills Built in the Field, Not on Paper
High-level reservoirs require niche expertise, something Driftsteknikk has built through years of hands-on projects. It’s also why the municipality and Park & Anlegg specifically asked for Ulrik.
“You can’t just send any technician into a project like this,” Fredrik says. “This is not something you learn from a book. It’s a lived experience, and Ulrik knows exactly what’s below ground, how things behave, and how to solve problems when they appear.”
And they do appear.
As with any municipal project, changes come continually from the municipality, via the contractor, and down to Driftsteknikk. One request for changed pipes in November sent the team into what Ulrik calls “controlled chaos”: Mobilising contacts, pushing suppliers, and solving challenges on the fly to keep the progress plan intact.
“That’s just part of the job,” Ulrik says with a smile. “There will always be friction, and we’re used to it. The important thing is that the end customer is satisfied and that we don’t lose economically when the scope changes.”
A Long-term Partnership Built on Trust, Competence, and Real Results
What began with odour-reduction systems has expanded to reservoirs, and will continue into technical consulting, rehabilitation, and pump-station upgrades in the years ahead. As internal capacity in the municipality tightens, the need for external expertise grows.
“That’s where we come in,” Fredrik says. “We combine practical field competence with support from sister companies across River Group. That’s a unique strength.”
For Driftsteknikk, the Skotbu project is more than their biggest job so far; it’s confirmation that Park & Anlegg and Nordre Follo chose the team they trust.
