Pumping Operations

Pumping Operations

Pumping operations play a critical role in stormwater management and flood mitigation, particularly in low-lying areas where natural drainage is insufficient to prevent standing water or rising flood levels. These operations help move excess water away from flood-prone areas, keeping roads passable, protecting structures, and ensuring stormwater systems function properly during and after major rain events. Pumping can occur as part of everyday drainage maintenance or as an emergency response measure during extreme weather conditions.

Stormwater pump stations are strategically located in areas that require additional drainage support, such as urbanized flood zones, retention ponds, canals, and coastal areas with poor natural outflow. These pumps are designed to move large volumes of water efficiently, typically sending stormwater to a designated outfall, retention area, or natural water body such as a river, lagoon, or ocean. In some cases, pumps are also used in areas where high water tables or heavy rainfall create persistent standing water that needs to be managed mechanically.

Before a Storm Event

Preparation is critical to ensure pumping operations run efficiently when severe weather strikes. In advance of an expected heavy rainfall event or tropical system, crews inspect, test, and prepare pump stations to ensure they are fully operational. This includes:

• Checking fuel supplies, generators, and electrical connections to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
• Clearing debris from drainage inlets, storm grates, and canals to ensure proper water flow.
• Coordinating with local and regional agencies to determine potential flood-prone areas and response strategies.
• Positioning portable or emergency pumps in locations that may need additional water removal during the storm.

In flood-prone areas, water levels in stormwater retention ponds and canals may be lowered in advance of a storm to increase their capacity to hold excess runoff. This proactive measure helps prevent excessive water accumulation and reduces the need for emergency pumping later.

During a Storm Event

As heavy rainfall begins, pump stations automatically activate based on water levels, or crews manually engage pumps if necessary. The goal during a storm is to continuously move excess water away from roadways, residential areas, and critical infrastructure to prevent widespread flooding.

Pumping operations are closely monitored in real-time to adjust as conditions change. Operators assess:

• The rate of rainfall and how quickly water levels are rising in retention areas and drainage basins.
• Pump performance and potential maintenance needs to ensure no mechanical failures occur.
• Any new blockages or debris accumulation that may require manual clearing to keep water moving.
• Coastal or river tailwater conditions, as high tides or swollen rivers can slow the effectiveness of pumping operations if they back up the system.

After a Storm Event

Once the storm subsides, pumping operations continue to remove any remaining standing water, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods, underpasses, and areas with poor drainage. Post-storm assessments help determine if additional pumping is needed to fully restore normal water levels in retention ponds, canals, and ditches.

After an event, crews perform critical inspections and maintenance on pump stations, checking for:

• Debris buildup in inlets and outfalls that could restrict drainage in future storms.
• Pump wear and tear, electrical malfunctions, or mechanical failures that need repairs.
• Fuel and generator resupply to prepare for the next potential event.
• Potential system upgrades or improvements, such as expanding pump capacity or increasing retention storage, based on observed flood patterns.

If excessive flooding has caused structural damage, emergency pumping may continue for days or weeks after a storm to ensure the area returns to safe conditions.

Pumping operations are another component of Volusia County’s stormwater management strategy, ensuring that flood-prone areas have an added layer of protection during heavy rain events. While pumping alone cannot eliminate all flood risks, it plays a role in reducing standing water, protecting infrastructure, and keeping roadways accessible. By maintaining well-functioning pump stations, deploying emergency pumps when necessary, and proactively managing stormwater before and after events, Volusia County continues to enhance its flood resilience and stormwater management efforts.