Pump Applications in the Water Treatment Industry

Water Treatment Industry

The water treatment industry depends on accurate and durable pumping solutions for critical operations, from raw water intake to chemical dosing and clean water distribution. Whether operating in municipal plants or industrial sites, selecting the right pump ensures process safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

Pumps in the water treatment industry must handle variable flow rates, chemically aggressive fluids, and extended duty cycles. With rising demand for sustainability and reliability, plant operators increasingly rely on pumps designed for energy efficiency and low maintenance. At Tomlinson Hall, we understand these priorities and offer systems tailored to each stage of the treatment process.

Water Treatment Industry Key Applications

1. Raw Water Intake and Transfer

Raw water from natural sources such as rivers, reservoirs, and boreholes must be delivered to treatment facilities for processing. This application demands high-volume, heavy-duty pumps that can manage solids and fluctuating inlet conditions.

End-suction centrifugal pumps and vertical turbine pumps are commonly used in the water treatment industry for this task. Their robust construction and high-capacity performance make them ideal for continuous operation in harsh intake environments.

2. Filtration and Clarification Support

During water treatment, filtration and clarification are essential for removing suspended solids. Pumps must maintain steady flow rates through filters, membranes, or clarifiers to ensure effective separation.

Centrifugal and inline pumps are the preferred choice in these applications. Their consistent pressure and reliable flow help improve system efficiency and ensure high-quality water output.

3. Chemical Dosing and Disinfection

To ensure water safety and compliance with health standards, chemical dosing is required for coagulation, pH correction, and disinfection. Pumps in these systems must deliver precise volumes of treatment chemicals under controlled conditions.

Metering pumps are widely used for chlorine, lime, alum, and other reagent dosing. Their ability to maintain accurate flow over time makes them essential to the water treatment industry’s operational success.

4. Sludge and Backwash Water Handling

Processes such as sedimentation and filter cleaning generate sludge and backwash water that require specialised handling. These fluids are thick, often abrasive, and may contain solid contaminants.

Progressive cavity and peristaltic pumps are highly effective for transferring such waste. Their ability to handle viscous material with minimal clogging and wear supports reliable sludge removal and reduces maintenance costs.

5. Treated Water Distribution

Once treated, clean water must be pumped into public or industrial networks. Consistent pressure and efficient delivery are critical to meeting demand and maintaining water quality.

Multistage centrifugal pumps and variable-speed booster systems are commonly used in the water treatment industry for this stage. These energy-efficient solutions offer excellent performance for both urban and remote distribution systems.

6. Wastewater Reuse and Recycling

Many modern facilities incorporate greywater reuse and recycling to reduce environmental impact and operating costs. These systems rely on pumps that can manage variable-quality fluids across diverse conditions.

Reliable pumping solutions for water reuse help meet sustainability goals and maximise resource efficiency. Pump types vary based on water quality and system complexity but often include robust centrifugal or diaphragm pumps.

For official UK guidance on water treatment and safety standards, refer to UK Drinking Water Quality Standards.