Floods and extreme weather events can strike with little warning, overwhelming stormwater systems and threatening homes, businesses, and infrastructure. In these situations, emergency pumping solutions are essential for flood relief, rapid water removal, and protection of critical assets.
Time is Critical
Every hour of delay allows more damage. Pre-positioned equipment and rapid response capabilities save lives and property. Pumps must be mobilised and operational within hours.
Why Emergency Pumping Is Critical
Protects People & Property
Reduces flood levels in built-up areas to prevent damage to homes and businesses
Maintains Infrastructure
Keeps roads, rail lines, and utilities accessible during flood events
Supports Emergency Services
Allows firefighting, rescue, and relief operations to proceed safely
Restores Normality Faster
Reduces downtime for communities and industries affected by flooding
Key Challenges
High Inflows
Large volumes of water arriving in a short time requiring high-capacity pumps
Variable Conditions
Floodwater may contain silt, debris, and contaminants that affect pump operation
Access Limitations
Flooded areas may restrict vehicle or equipment movement to affected sites
Urgency
Pumps must be mobilised and operational within hours to minimise damage
Power Outages
Grid power is often unavailable, requiring diesel-driven units for reliability
Pump Types for Flood Relief
High-Volume Diesel Trailer Pumps
Portable, rapid deployment units capable of handling massive flows. Ideal for large-scale flood relief operations.
Submersible Pumps
Compact and effective for basements, tunnels, and confined spaces where surface pumps cannot reach.
Acoustic Enclosed Pumpsets
For use in residential areas where noise restrictions apply. Sound-attenuated for quiet operation.
Floating Pontoon Pumps
Suitable for operating directly on lakes, rivers, or floodwaters where shore access is limited.
Standpipe Truck Fill Units
For filling water tankers to assist firefighting and relief operations. Essential support during extended flood events.
Deployment Strategies
Pre-Positioned Fleet
Maintain emergency pumps on standby in flood-prone areas for rapid response
Trailer & Skid Packages
Allow fast towing or crane-lifting to affected sites with minimal setup time
Quick-Connect Pipework
Use lay-flat hoses and camlock fittings for rapid setup and reconfiguration
Fuel & Logistics Planning
Ensure pumps have extended run-time tanks and refuelling plans in place
Backup Units
Always keep additional pumps on standby for redundancy during critical operations
Best Practices
Conduct a site survey to determine suction and discharge points
Position pumps on high ground to prevent submersion
Use strainers on suction hoses to prevent clogging from debris
Monitor pump performance with telemetry where possible
Rotate crews for 24/7 operation during prolonged flood events
Environmental & Safety Considerations
Contaminated Water
Floodwater may be contaminated – handle discharge responsibly
Spill Containment
Ensure pump skids have spill containment for diesel and oil
Electrical Hazards
Avoid electrical hazards when using submersible pumps in flooded areas
Authority Directives
Follow emergency authority directives for discharge locations
Summary
Key Takeaways
- Speed – rapid deployment is critical; pre-position equipment in flood-prone areas
- Reliability – use diesel-driven pumps to avoid dependence on grid power
- Capacity – match pump capacity to the scale of flooding with high-volume units
- Backup planning – always have redundant pumps and refuelling plans in place