Flood Risks are rising - is your plan ready?.
April 21, 2025
By Jason Bunston
Every jobsite comes with its own challenges – but water shouldn’t be one of them. Heavy rains, rising water tables, and unpredictable ground conditions can quickly derail timelines, damage equipment, and drive up costs. Even minor flooding can cause major setbacks, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. In B.C. alone, annual flood-related costs are expected to surpass $3 billion by 2030 – more than eight times the projected costs for Quebec, the next most-affected province.
But the real impact of flooding goes beyond repair bills. Delays, equipment failures, and jobsite disruptions can ripple through your bottom line. Whether you’re dewatering a foundation, pumping out a damaged sewer line, or working in environmentally sensitive areas, the right equipment and a solid contingency plan can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a costly disaster.
The key? Get your rental partner involved early. A knowledgeable provider can help you assess risks, navigate regulations, and recommend the right equipment before problems arise. With expert support, you can keep projects on track, minimize disruptions, and stay ahead of emergency situations.
Mitigating risks starts with understanding them
Flooding and sewage leaks can impact any jobsite – damaging buildings, temporary structures, materials, trenches and equipment. The key to minimizing risk is a thorough, up-to-date assessment of your site’s flood vulnerabilities.
By evaluating your proximity to water sources or flood plains and assessing the potential for high groundwater infiltration or heavy rainfall, you can better plan for the equipment you’ll need – and when you’ll need it. Do you know what size pump is required to move water or sewage efficiently? Large dewatering and sewage pumps can handle tough conditions and remove water quickly, while smaller, more economical options may be sufficient for minor water removal. Choosing the right solution upfront can save both time and money.
Equipment storage is another crucial factor in flood risk mitigation. Water-damaged equipment can become non-compliant, void warranties, and lead to costly project delays. Consider additional protection plans to reduce costs associated with rental equipment loss or damage while it’s under your care. And before signing any rental agreement, ensure the terms are clear, so you fully understand your responsibilities.
Drainage (both temporary and permanent) is also key. Identifying flood risks early helps determine the type and volume of drainage required. Systems must be installed, maintained, and regularly inspected, so consult an expert. High-value subgrade equipment like electrical components should only be installed once drainage systems are in place and fully operational.
Flooding poses an even greater risk to underground construction. Wet, unstable excavations can damage public utilities, flood local roads, and increase the likelihood of trench collapses or cave-ins. When multiple floods hit the same area, demand for contractors and pump and power equipment spikes. Without a proactive plan, securing the right equipment may become a challenge. Planning ahead doesn’t just mitigate risk – it minimizes downtime and helps keep projects on schedule, even in emergency situations.
Be proactive: Have a contingency plan
You may already know some of the problems you could encounter on your jobsite. If a street flooded last year after heavy rainfall, chances are it’ll flood again. You know your project will be more prone to flooding if it’s close to a water source or situated within a floodplain.
A flood risk assessment and contingency plan help you identify potential hazards and outline the necessary actions and resources to manage them. By assessing site conditions, you can prioritize the most critical areas for protection and mitigation. This process includes evaluating the site, selecting the right equipment, and securing quotes – ensuring you’re prepared before water levels rise. A strong contingency plan can also factor in temporary flood protection structures, best practices for equipment storage, and strategies for both best- and worst-case flood scenarios.
Reassess risks throughout your project’s life cycle. Conditions can change, and the equipment that worked in one phase may not be suitable for the next. Keeping your rental provider involved ensures you have the right solutions at every stage – helping you stay ahead of challenges and on track with your schedule.
Keep workers safe and follow regulations
Any project that requires moving water, sewage or wastewater will also have regulations. Permits are required when discharging into public sewer systems or the natural environment, or even when groundwater is taken for activities such as dewatering.
Many municipalities prohibit any new construction within areas prone to flooding. Uncontrolled groundwater can cause floods in excavated areas or street potholes, potentially damaging construction equipment and materials, putting workers safety at risk, causing trench collapses and compromising structures.
If you’re working in an environmentally sensitive area, the right equipment keeps pollutants out of local waterways or streams. Any water that leaves a worksite must meet strict water quality control measures. Work with a rental provider who can offer specificalists in dealing with permitting and compliance monitoring. They can guide you through the regulations in your area while putting in place preventative measures to reduce risks of flooding.
Work with a reputable rental partner
Your rental partner is there to provide you with the best solutions for your project, from pumps and power generators to trench safety and heavy equipment. It’s about supporting your business, identifying potential challenges, assessing specific project needs and recommending the best solution at an efficient cost.
