Water Treatment Solutions: Pump Stations
Pump Control Systems that Drive Treatment Efficiency
Pump stations serve as critical hydraulic control points in water treatment facilities, providing the pressure and flow required to move water through intake structures, clarification systems, membrane units, and disinfection processes. Equipped with centrifugal or vertical turbine pumps, these stations maintain precise flow rates that support coagulation kinetics, sedimentation efficiency, and filtration loading parameters. Stable pump performance prevents pressure loss, cavitation, and process upsets that could compromise treatment effectiveness or damage sensitive equipment.
In downstream operations, pump stations manage chemical feed delivery, high pressure backwash cycles for media and membrane systems, sludge transfer to dewatering units, and final pumping to clear wells and distribution mains. Advanced stations often use variable frequency drives, differential pressure sensors, and automated controls to optimize energy consumption and maintain system balance under varying demand. Redundant pump configurations ensure uninterrupted operation during maintenance or emergency conditions. By providing accurate hydraulic control, pump stations support consistent water quality, operational resilience, and overall plant performance.
Controllers
Controllers are essential in water treatment facilities for automating and regulating the various processes that ensure water quality and system efficiency. These devices monitor inputs from sensors measuring parameters such as pressure, flow rate, chemical concentration, and water level, then adjust equipment operations accordingly. For example, controllers can regulate pump speeds, open or close valves, and manage chemical dosing systems to maintain optimal treatment conditions. By automating these adjustments, controllers reduce the need for manual intervention and help maintain consistent water quality standards.
Modern controllers often integrate with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, enabling centralized monitoring and remote control of the entire facility. This connectivity allows operators to receive real-time alerts, analyze performance data, and make informed decisions quickly. Advanced controllers can also implement programmed logic for energy efficiency, emergency shutdowns, and compliance with regulatory requirements. In short, controllers serve as the “brains” of water treatment operations, ensuring precision, reliability, and safety across all stages of the process.
- Instrumentation and Gauges
Tanks
Tanks play a vital role in water treatment facilities by providing controlled storage and process stages throughout the treatment cycle. Intake tanks receive raw water from natural sources and allow heavy sediments to settle before it enters downstream systems. Additional process tanks support coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and disinfection by giving chemicals proper contact time and maintaining stable process conditions that ensure consistent water quality.
Facilities depend on many tank designs to meet specific hydraulic and chemical requirements. Vertical, horizontal, cone-bottom, and rectangular tanks are available in FRP, steel, and plastic, each offering benefits in terms of durability, strength, or chemical resistance. Harrington specializes in custom-built tanks that match exact plant specifications, delivering configurations tailored to flow rates, chemical exposure, and structural needs. With support from Harrington’s Tank Subject Matter Experts, operators can choose the most reliable and cost-effective solution for long-term performance.
- Tanks and Containment
Structural FRP (Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic)
Structural FRP systems play a critical role in water treatment facilities by providing safe, durable access and support infrastructure throughout the plant. FRP grating, platforms, stairs, and handrail systems are used around tanks, clarifiers, basins, and processing equipment, allowing operators to safely inspect, maintain, and service critical assets. Their inherent corrosion resistance makes FRP ideal for harsh, wet, and chemically aggressive environments commonly found in water and wastewater treatment operations.
Beyond access and safety, structural FRP systems help improve facility longevity and reduce lifecycle costs. Unlike steel or aluminum, FRP does not corrode, rust, or require frequent coatings, significantly lowering maintenance demands and downtime. Lightweight yet structurally strong, FRP components are easier to install and modify, reducing on-site labor and improving safety during construction and retrofits. By providing long-lasting, non-conductive, slip-resistant access solutions, structural FRP systems help facilities maintain safe operations, protect personnel, and support reliable treatment performance over the life of the plant.
- FRP Products
Pumps
Pumps play a central role in water treatment facilities by moving water through each stage of the treatment process. They draw raw water from rivers, wells, or reservoirs and push it into intake structures for initial screening. High efficiency pumps then transfer water through coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection systems, ensuring steady flow and proper pressure. Their reliable operation keeps treatment performance consistent and prevents disruptions that could affect water quality.
Beyond process flow, pumps support chemical dosing, backwashing of filters, sludge handling, and distribution of treated water into the supply network. Facilities use pump types such as centrifugal, positive displacement, and submersible units to match each application. Modern control systems allow operators to adjust speed and output to save energy and maintain accurate flow rates. By supporting every major treatment step, pumps help provide a safe and dependable supply of clean water.
- Pumps
PumpMan
PumpMan, a Harrington Company, provides pump system expertise along with on site and off site repair, replacement, and maintenance for pumps, motors, controls, valves, and water wells used across municipal, industrial, and commercial sectors in North America. With strong technical knowledge and a commitment to dependable service, PumpMan helps facilities keep essential water and wastewater operations running with reliable performance and reduced downtime.
PumpMan technicians support full system life cycles through troubleshooting, planned maintenance, and equipment upgrades that improve efficiency and extend asset life. Services include precision alignment, vibration and noise checks, motor and control panel inspections, and flow and pressure verification to maintain optimal operation. Select locations also offer wastewater sump pumping and debris removal to prevent clogs and improve system reliability, making PumpMan a trusted partner for critical infrastructure.
- Pumps
Piping Systems (PVC, CPVC, PVDF, FRP and Lined Steel)
PVC, CPVC, PVDF, FRP, and lined steel piping systems are essential in water treatment facilities because they provide reliable flow control, corrosion resistance, and long service life across a wide range of operating conditions. PVC is commonly used for raw water intake, distribution to filtration units, and low-pressure applications due to its broad chemical resistance, ease of installation, and cost effectiveness. CPVC offers increased temperature and pressure capability, making it well suited for hot water service, chemical feed lines, and applications requiring enhanced mechanical strength.
PVDF piping is selected for high-purity and highly aggressive chemical services where superior chemical resistance, temperature tolerance, and long-term performance are critical. FRP piping is used in the most corrosive environments, including chemical treatment areas, disinfectant storage, and high-exposure washdown zones, where its strength and non-corrosive construction help extend system life. Lined steel piping provides the structural strength of steel combined with corrosion protection, making it ideal for larger-diameter lines, higher-pressure systems, and applications requiring robust mechanical durability.
Together, these piping systems support sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and final distribution by maintaining safe, consistent flow throughout the facility. Proper material selection across these piping technologies reduces maintenance requirements, improves system reliability, and supports long-term water quality and operational performance.
- Chemical-Grade PVDF Piping and Fittings
- CPVC Piping, Valves, and Fittings
- FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) Piping
- Lined Steel Piping
- Cements & Primers
- Double Containment Piping
Filter Housings
Filter housings play an important role in water treatment facilities by holding and protecting the filtration media or cartridges that remove sediment, debris, and microorganisms from incoming water. They create a controlled space where water flows through the filter material at the correct rate, ensuring consistent removal of particles and protecting downstream pumps, membranes, and disinfection systems. Durable materials such as stainless steel, PVC, and FRP allow these housings to withstand pressure, chemicals, and continuous operation.
In addition to primary filtration, housings support activated carbon, fine polishing filters, and specialty cartridges used for taste, odor, or chemical reduction. Their modular design allows operators to change filter elements quickly and maintain stable performance with minimal downtime. Multi-round housings increase capacity for high flow systems, while clear housings allow easy visual inspection. By safeguarding filtration components and ensuring reliable flow, filter housings help maintain water quality and support the overall efficiency.
- Housing & Strainers
Gauges
Gauges in water treatment facilities are primarily used to monitor and control critical parameters throughout the treatment process. They provide real-time readings of pressure, flow rate, and sometimes temperature within pipes, tanks, and filtration systems. Pressure gauges, for example, help operators ensure that pumps and filtration units are functioning within safe operating limits, preventing damage to equipment and maintaining consistent water flow. Flow gauges measure the volume of water moving through the system, which is essential for balancing treatment stages and meeting regulatory requirements for output.
In addition to operational monitoring, gauges play a key role in troubleshooting and maintenance. Abnormal readings can indicate issues such as clogged filters, pump malfunctions, or leaks in the system. By providing accurate and immediate feedback, gauges allow operators to make timely adjustments, reducing downtime and improving efficiency. In advanced facilities, these gauges are often integrated with automated control systems, enabling remote monitoring and alerts for critical conditions. Overall, gauges are indispensable for maintaining safety, reliability, and compliance in water treatment operations.
- Instrumentation and Gauges
Valves
Valves are essential components in water treatment facilities, controlling the flow, pressure, and direction of water throughout the system. They allow operators to start or stop flow, regulate pressure, and isolate sections of piping for maintenance without disrupting the entire facility. Common types include gate, ball, butterfly, and check valves, each selected for specific functions such as controlling chemical feed, managing pump output, or diverting flow between treatment processes.
In addition to basic flow control, valves help maintain safety and efficiency by preventing backflow, overpressure, and contamination between process stages. Automated valves with electric or pneumatic actuators provide precise control and can be integrated into monitoring systems for real-time operation. Properly installed and maintained valves support consistent water quality, protect equipment, and enable operators to manage treatment processes effectively while minimizing downtime and maintenance needs.
- Manual Valves, Actuated Valves
Automated Valves / Valve Actuation
Valve actuation is vital in water treatment because automated valves deliver precise, programmable control of flow, pressure regulation, and system isolation throughout each stage of treatment. These automated valves manage chemical dosing, filtration and backwash sequencing, and distribution flow with consistent accuracy that supports stable process conditions and water quality. When integrated with SCADA or PLC systems, they allow remote adjustments, reduce manual labor, and maintain hydraulic stability that protects equipment and improves overall plant efficiency.
Harrington supports these technical needs with a full range of valve actuation services, including custom mounting, engineered fabrication, and the conversion of manual valves into automated valves. The Valve Actuation Group combines automation expertise with in-house machining, welding, and testing to build assemblies tailored to site requirements. Working across many valve types and brands, Harrington delivers automated valve packages designed for corrosive fluids, elevated pressures, and continuous duty applications, helping facilities operate safely and with greater control.
- Media Filters
Tanks (Below-Ground)
Below-ground tanks play a critical role in water treatment facilities by providing secure, corrosion-resistant storage for influent, treated water, process chemicals, and reclaimed water. These tanks help maintain a stable supply during peak demand, buffer flow variations, and support settling and equalization processes. Their buried installation protects contents from temperature swings, UV exposure, and physical damage while also conserving above-ground space for treatment equipment.
In addition to storage, below-ground tanks support pumping, dosing, and emergency containment functions. They integrate with piping networks, monitoring instruments, and automated controls to maintain proper level management, prevent overflows, and ensure safe handling of corrosive or hazardous liquids. Durable materials, such as fiberglass-reinforced plastic and high-density polyethylene, allow these tanks to withstand soil loads and long-term exposure, making them a dependable asset in modern treatment operations.
- Tanks
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