Xylem technology to help protect the Philippines against monsoon flooding

Xylem technology to help protect the Philippines against monsoon flooding

Two pumping stations in key areas of metropolitan Manila are being upgraded with Flygt propeller pumps in order to help protect residential areas from severe monsoon flooding. Benefitting more than half a million people, Xylem’s Flygt technology will increase the flow capacity of the stations by 25 percent, which will reduce flooding and improve environmental and sanitary conditions in the city.

The Xylem solution is the first of its kind to be developed in the Philippines. Xylem’s Flygt Propeller Pumps PL7121 with stainless steel propellers will be supplied to replace the existing pumps at the Aviles and Valencia pump stations in the flood-prone Manila districts of San Miguel, Nagtahan, Paco, Pandacan, Santa Ana and Santa Mesa, delivering increased capacity of 18,000 liters per second and 14,000 liters per second respectively. The pumps will be used to channel local run-off water into the nearby Pasig River, creating a retarding reservoir and helping to prevent flooding in the area. Among the buildings that will be protected is the renowned Malacañan Palace, the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the Philippines.

According to Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the organization in charge of the development, the new system will dramatically improve the daily lives of the people living in northern Manila, improve public health, increase land value in the area by enhancing the local environment and have a positive knock-on effect on the local economy.

Xylem’s Flygt technology was selected due to its high efficiency and capacity, as well as its low operating and maintenance costs. Furthermore, noise pollution, which was an issue with the previous system, will be significantly reduced or eliminated as Flygt pumps use electric drives rather than diesel engines.

Alex Evaristo, Sales Director for Xylem Philippines said, “Flygt propeller pumps are state-of-the-art, high capacity, low-head pumps ideal for this kind of application. We are pleased to be partnering with the authorities in Manila to enhance people’s lives with our innovative technology, as well as providing a cost-effective, sustainable solution to the water challenge.” 

Construction of the two pumping stations began in April of this year and they are expected to be operational by end of October 2014.

by Simon