Storm water pumping stations and their uses

Author: Sean Bunyon

Surface water can be caused by rain events and storms, and can cause water to pool in inconvenient and dangerous locations. To combat this, solutions and technical advancements have been developed, such as sump pump systems; storm water bypass interceptors; gross pollutant traps and stormwater pumping stations among others. With the wide range of products available, an understanding of each product’s purpose and effect on storm water management and treatment systems is useful for proper stormwater planning. This article will focus on a brief overview of stormwater pumping stations, their benefit and their uses.

A storm water pumping station collects and moves rainwater from a rainfall area, which could range in size from a single residential property, through to commercial carparks, an entire subdivision or industrial facility. Although the size and complexity of a pump station varies as much as its uses, the purpose is always to offer protection to a rainfall area that is unable to achieve sufficient fall for any existing or planned stormwater system.

Water always flow downhill right? But what should I do when I can’t make stormwater flow downwards anymore?

Stormwater pump stations work together with gravity drainage systems to clear rainfall collection areas of stormwater. A typical stormwater system regardless of size has a collection drainage system made up of grated pits, or sumps, that collect surface water and feed this to a discharge point such as a stream, waterway or detention pond. For the system to flow effectively each sump or discharge point must be lower than the previous otherwise the stormwater wouldn’t flow. When the system is getting too deep to be commercially viable, or site issues such as groundwater prevent further excavation, a stormwater pump station is used to collect, and then boost the water to a discharge point without the need for gravity. It does this through engaging submersible drainage pumps inside a pump chamber that pressurise the water allowing it to overcome gravity.

When combined with water quality treatment systems, pump stations can offer safe and effective drainage or collection areas which results in protected property and infrastructure, as well as safer ecosystems and waterways. Treatment devices can include:

  • Gross pollutant traps
  • Stormwater bypass interceptors
  • Grease arrestors
  • Oil Plate Separators

Poly versus Concrete – What’s the Difference?

Poly Storm water pumping stations are designed to be lightweight and easy to install, whereas concrete pump stations are engineered to offer high-strength. The flawless single-piece construction of poly storm water pump stations prevents leaking or ingress of groundwater, and a proper installation of concrete ballast makes certain that the pit will not float in a shallow water table area. Poly chambers can also be fitted with pipework and pumps prior to being shipped to site, saving time at installation.

Precast pump chambers are often used where larger capacities are required, larger than typical poly chambers can provide, such as subdivisions or industrial lots. They are also preferred where heavy vehicles frequent as they are designed to withstand class D traffic load conditions and will not collapse or crumble. A precast chamber is assembled on site, and is often made up of several increments to form the entire chamber. Being manufactured from concrete they are still very heavy and are assembled using a site crane to assist with lowering into the excavation. Once complete the chamber is then outfitted with pipework and pumps on site – then tested for water integrity and to ensure the pump system is working effectively.

Key Applications:

  • Industry processing – commercial use
  • Shopping centres
  • Basement car parks
  • School & Universities
  • Docks & Shipyards
  • Prisons
  • Golf Clubs
  • Service Stations
  • Hospitals and Nursing homes
  • Mining Camps

To sum up, it is always a good idea to contact a stormwater specialist company because they can assist with expertise at planning, and will deliver effective and robust products and advice at installation. If you need assistance with your next project, contact Global Water Group SA/NT on 1300 145 622.