Flood readiness strengthened with pump rental
24/09/2026 Xylem UK
The growing threat of flooding across the UK is prompting local authorities, utilities and businesses to rethink how they plan for storms and intense rainfall, writes Guy Fitzpatrick, director sales & service - water solutions and services, Xylem UK & Ireland.
Environment Agency data shows 6.3 million properties in England are at risk of flooding from rivers, sea or surface water. With climate change, this figure could rise to around 8 million by the middle of the century – equivalent to around one-in-four properties.
Climate projections also point to wetter winters and hotter, drier summers - as the UK recently experienced - with periods of increasingly intense rainfall.
Organisations responsible for managing flood response, and those at risk of flooding, are starting to look beyond emergency measures to a readiness-based approach, which includes working with suppliers who can support forward-planning.
For pump rental, this means engaging with suppliers well in advance to establish potential at-risk locations and likely volumes of water, along with discharge points for pumped water.
Such assessments would identify required pump models and pipework, and precisely where kit could be installed. They would also include power requirements, transport routes and access needs - particularly important on constrained sites and in rural areas with narrow roads and low bridges.
Understanding this finer detail in advance strengthens safety and resilience and can make a big difference in mobilising a rapid response as severe weather hits.
Leading technology and expertise
Having the option to rent floodwater pumping systems means organisations can be prepared for a range of scenarios without having to purchase, store and setup complex equipment themselves.
As an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of pump technology, including the leading Godwin and Flygt brands, Xylem has supported local authorities, government departments and private companies with flood alleviation for decades.
Xylem’s UK & Ireland rental service provides best-in-class mobile pumping equipment, including Godwin dri-prime pumps and Flygt submersibles, at depots across the UK & Ireland so systems can be quickly deployed when required.
Xylem is responsible for testing and maintaining its rental fleet, giving customers confidence that equipment is primed and ready to operate when it is needed.
As well as having access to the latest technology, customers who rent from Xylem also have access to the company’s specialist pump engineering expertise. As an OEM, Xylem designs and builds its own equipment, and its team of engineers has extensive knowledge of which products and systems work best, given individual sites and conditions.
Flood risk is highly variable, so renting also provides flexibility. Organisations can access different equipment depending on the type and scale of the event, keeping it in place for as long as it is needed
Digital Remote monitoring
The ability to monitor pumps remotely is increasingly valued by customers. Xylem's Flygt and Godwin mobile fleet has remote telemetry and monitoring, offering complete visibility at all times.
This includes Xylem’s Field Smart Technology, an advanced cloud-based telemetry system that allows users to monitor and control pumps from a smart phone, without having to be onsite, which has significant logistical and health and safety benefits.
Demonstrating readiness
Major flood events are often followed by an incident review, where operations teams, management and stakeholders discuss what went well, what did not and what could be done differently next time.
Having a readiness plan which includes pump deployment can help organisations demonstrate they have robust processes in place to respond to such events. For local authorities and utilities in particular, this can play an important role in maintaining customer confidence and can help protect reputation.
Try-before-you-buy
For organisations considering investing in their own pump assets, renting equipment gives the opportunity to try-before-you-buy. When the time is right for capital investment, Xylem can replace the rented equipment with permanent new assets, and a system that users are already familiar with and have confidence in, along with offering a scheduled maintenance service and 24/7 breakdown attendance and support.
Being able to respond quickly, with the right equipment and support from trusted suppliers, can make a big difference to communities and companies impacted by flooding. Xylem's rental engineers are ready to talk to you about your flood readiness and help identify the equipment and support you may need.
Print this articleFor more information, please contact:
Xylem UK
Private Road No 1
Colwick Industrial Estate
Nottingham
NG4 2AN
UK
Tel: +44 (0)115 9400111
Email: laura.howlett@xylem.com
Web: https://www.xylem.com/en-uk/
Share article:
Process and Control Today are not responsible for the content of submitted or externally produced articles and images. Click here to email us about any errors or omissions contained within this article.