Holding back the flood

Heavy rainfall, high water levels and overloaded drainage systems can cause backflow and flooding in stormwater and wastewater systems. When water can no longer drain away or begins to flow back through the system, the risk of damage to properties, infrastructure and other vulnerable areas increases.

Effective flood protection prevents backflow while allowing water to flow in the intended direction under normal conditions. Our check valves and other flood protection solutions protect vulnerable parts of stormwater and wastewater systems – and ultimately the people, properties and communities affected when these systems fail to function as intended. The solutions can be used in both new and existing installations.

In the event of accidents or spills from roads and industrial sites, contaminated water can quickly spread through stormwater systems and reach surface waters, receiving waters, pasture land and water sources. At pumping stations and other water and wastewater facilities, the ability to control and shut off water flow is also important for safe operation and maintenance.

With the right shut-off and control solution, water flows can be regulated, pipelines shut off and the spread of pollutants limited. Our WaGate Gate Valves and Sluice Gates enable both rapid shut-off in emergency situations and controlled shut-off of incoming pipelines, for example at pumping stations. This helps protect people, the environment and infrastructure while supporting safe and reliable operation.

Heavy rainfall and high or varying water flows can quickly put pressure on stormwater and wastewater systems. When more water enters the pipe network than the downstream system can handle, the risk of overload, flooding and overflow increases. By controlling how much water is released downstream, existing capacity can be used more effectively and the load on pipelines and other parts of the system can be reduced.

Our WaReg and FluidVertic flow regulators control water flow without the need for external energy and can be used in applications including stormwater, wastewater systems and attenuation storage. By maintaining a controlled discharge, downstream systems are protected against overload while the risk of flooding is reduced. The solutions can be used in both new and existing systems.

During heavy rainfall or periods of high load on wastewater and stormwater systems, pressure in the pipe network can increase and cause backflow. Water can then be forced back through the pipes and enter areas such as basements, resulting in costly damage to buildings and property.

A check valve stops the flow when water begins to move in the wrong direction while allowing it to pass freely under normal conditions. WaStop and WaBack provide automatic protection against backflow and flooding and can be used to protect both single-family and multi-family residential properties.

Sewer and drainage systems can provide pathways for insects and unpleasant odours. Insects can travel through pipes and cause problems in connected spaces, while odours can spread from chambers and other parts of the pipe network into areas where people live and work.

Effective protection needs to prevent unwanted movement without disrupting normal drainage. By creating a tight barrier against entry from the opposite direction, both insects and odours can be restricted while water can still pass through when it needs to drain away. This protection can be incorporated into both new and existing installations.

In land-based fish farming and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), water flow control is an important part of safe and efficient operation. Water needs to be directed between different parts of the facility, flows regulated and pipelines shut off when necessary. When transferring fish, it is also important to control water flow gently to reduce the risk of injury.

With the right flow control solutions, water management can be adapted to the needs of the facility. This provides greater control over water flows, supports careful fish handling and allows servicing and maintenance to be carried out under controlled conditions. The solutions can be used in both new and existing fish farms and RAS facilities.