Some assets need to be designed with a back-up pump system and others that are not adequately protected with other measures to prevent water damage should consider pumping systems to quickly remove water when flooding occurs. Pump types that may be used in emergency situations include portable de-watering, mobile pumps and submersible pumps. Factors that affect pump system performance and flow rate include the amount and size of debris (e.g., silt, sand, mud, organic matter, etc.) in the water, the distance (and height) that water is pumped, the type and length of pipe or hose used for suction and discharge lines. This measure focuses on temporary pump systems.

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Types of Pumps:

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• Portable Dewatering Pumps: best suited for clean water and minor flooding with low to medium pumping rates (up to several hundred gallons per minute). These pumps are typically less than 250 pounds and can be readily transported and setup by two personnel.

• Mobile Pumps: mobile trash pumps are larger and heavier than portable dewatering pumps and typically need to be transported by trailers or skids. These pumps have typical capacities of 500 to several thousand gallons per minute, can have self-contained power, and can handle ‘dirty’ water with debris up to several inches in diameter.

• Submersible Pumps: Electrically or hydraulically powered submersible pumps are lowered into the flooded area ideally at the sump location to draw water down to near the surface. These pumps require an external power source.