Advanced turnkey solutions for onsite wastewater pumping
For new housing developments that cannot connect to the main sewer by gravity, packaged pumping stations perform a vital task. In this Q&A, Helen Wilson, industry & infrastructure UK manager at Xylem, explains how developers can ensure an efficient and compliant system for their site:
What are packaged pumping stations?
Packaged pumping stations are factory-built systems which pump wastewater and stormwater from a site into a public sewer network for treatment and disposal.
The pre-assembled units are fully kitted out with components including pumps, pipes, valves and controls and are available in a number of designs and sizes. They can be easily delivered to site and installed to suit programmes of work, saving onsite build-time and reducing disruption.
Xylem’s range of packaged pumping stations provide efficient and reliable pumping for housing developments, are simple to install and maintain, and fully compliant with the standards required by water companies when this is a requirement. The water company standard is required when a packaged pumping station is planned to be adopted by the water company or end user, who will take over providing services to the customer in the future.
When are packaged pumping stations typically used?
Packaged pumping stations are typically used where a development cannot connect to the public sewer system by gravity - perhaps it is situated below the network, in a remote or inaccessible location or is a considerable distance away from the main sewer, making a traditional gravity-based system not feasible or cost effective.
Which regulations must packaged pumping stations adhere to?
In the design phase of a new project, an S104 legal agreement will need to be made with the local water company. This is usually completed before construction of the pumping station has started, to ensure it is completed to the required specifications.
Post installation, packaged pumping stations in England and Wales are adopted by the local water company. Therefore, they must comply with the SSG (Sewage Sector Guidance, formerly known as Sewers for Adoption) guidelines, ensuring adherence to water company standards.
How does Xylem ensure its pumping stations meet the guidelines?
A market leader in submersible pumps, Xylem supports property developers through each stage of the process, including by providing a pre-adoption advisory service and full technical submission to be used to apply for an S104.
Our Xylem design team liaise with water companies at the earliest stages to ensure the pumping station meets full design criteria – including for pipework, valve layout, pump types, level and control specifications - enabling a smooth adoption and transfer of the asset.
Once installed, a pre-adoption onsite inspection is carried out to ensure all works have been completed as per the design. This meeting normally includes representatives from the water company, the developer and the Xylem engineering team.
Why are Xylem’s packaged pumping stations an advantage to developers?
Xylem has a comprehensive range of packaged pumping stations that are suitable for single dwellings through to major developments. Its engineers work with developers on the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of its pumping stations.
The team has in-depth knowledge of wastewater and stormwater management and, as a long-term supplier to the water sector, understands the latest regulations to adhere to. We are proud to offer a full turnkey solution, supporting customers at every stage of their project.
How quickly can a packaged pumping station be installed?
Once Xylem receives the required information and documentation from developers, we aim to spec, price and supply pumping stations within four to six weeks. To avoid any site-specific issues, Xylem’s experts will work with the developer to clarify details such as, where will the station be situated? Does it have clear access? Has the correct access cover been specified and, importantly, has a groundwater survey been carried out?
Once the design is finalised, Xylem packaged pumping stations are simple to install, operate and maintain.
How energy efficient are packaged pumping stations?
Xylem’s packaged pumping stations, utilising our industry standard Flygt submersible pump range, are designed to deliver maximum efficiency. They will provide decades of service and, in the long term, be more efficient than alternatives such as septic tanks or onsite treatment units.
How much maintenance do the systems require?
The main requirement is for at least one service visit per year to lift and check the electrical pumps. If the station is found to receive large volumes of unflushable items, such as wet wipes and nappies, we would recommend up to four visits per year.
Xylem provides a fully comprehensive aftercare service, including 24/7 real-time monitoring and emergency site attendance, preventative maintenance contracts, workshop repair with genuine parts and refurbishments.
What packaged pumping systems does Xylem offer?
For more than 60 years, Xylem’s Flygt brand has continuously raised industry standards for compact, trouble-free pumping, with solutions that reduce complexity and costs, including:
Flygt Standard Pump Station (SPS) Series - a cost-effective solution, ideally suited to developers and contractors. Designed by Xylem, the comprehensive range comprises a variety of tank sizes and pump options and can be tailored to suit any application.
Flygt Concertor - the most intelligent wastewater pump on the market, bringing smart and interconnected solutions to wastewater pumping. The Concertor has state-of-the-art hardware that delivers clog-free operation. It can sense the operating conditions of its environment, adapting performance in real time and providing feedback to operators.
Offering full turnkey solutions from the design and installation to commissioning and maintenance, Xylem supplies a range of readily available packaged pumping stations compliant with the latest SSG.
Written for and first published in Building Design & Construction 2024