Water Controlling Water®

Flood Control

AquaDam Temporary Perimeter Flood Barrier

Properties that experience frequent flooding must prepare for unexpected weather events with flood control equipment. The AquaDam offers a temporary protective solution for public, commercial and residential properties. As a water-filled flood barrier, the AquaDam uses water on site to divert natural water flow from a protected property. Learn how AquaDam technology operates for flood protection.

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How Do AquaDams Work as Flood Protection Barriers?

The AquaDam is made of two water-tight tubes made from polyethylene. These tubes are contained inside a woven outer sleeve made of polypropylene geotextile. With its integrated stability baffle forming the two tube chambers, the AquaDam can control up to 75% of its height in water depths and external mud when filled with water. Once installed, the AquaDam will not roll and will create a temporary barrier against flood.

Installing an AquaDam involves unrolling the cofferdam across the body of water where flood protection barriers are needed. After unrolling, the inner tubes must be pumped with the site water. This process contributes to most of the installation time. After filling, the AquaDam will successfully contribute to a flood control strategy.

The Benefits of AquaDam as Flood Control Equipment

Residents in commonly flooded areas face the growing cost of flood insurance and unpredictable weather event patterns. Implementing personal flood control equipment is a helpful strategy for protecting a home. AquaDams make excellent water-filled barriers for flooding because they are:

  • Cost-effective: Traditional methods, like sandbag barriers, can lead to extensive costs. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recommends 78 sandbags per linear foot with 4 feet of water. With the price of sandbags averaging $4 to $6 dollars, the costs for complete flood protection can be immense. The AquaDam offers excellent water depth control for a fraction of the cost.
  • Straightforward: The installation process for an AquaDam is straightforward and possible to achieve in a small time frame compared to sandbag barriers. 
  • Low-impact: Installing an AquaDam has minimal impact on the surrounding environment, and it conforms with the Clean Water Act. 
  • Versatile: With a range of discrete heights and lengths, the AquaDam can provide flood protection around various perimeters and through many water depths.

Considerations for AquaDam Flood Protection Barriers

Before using the AquaDam:

  • Review the installation and removal process.
  • Create a deployment path that is as flat as possible for effective results.
  • Understand that seepage is still possible, and seepage control pumps may be necessary.
  • Acknowledge that reuse of the AquaDam is not guaranteed.
  • Consider multiple pumps to speed up the installation process.
  • Note that fuel or electricity will be needed to power pump systems.

Order Water-Filled Flood Barriers Today

When you need temporary flood protection equipment, AquaDam offers an effective design for varying water depths and perimeters. Protect your home, business, power plant or other structure with an AquaDam with the appropriate specifications. 

The AquaDam customer service team can answer any questions you may have about the product and ordering process. Call 1-800-682-9283 to speak with a representative, or use the online contact form to submit your inquiry. 

Project Examples

AquaDams have been used successfully in numerous flood hazard situations, including:

  • TX DOT – 7 miles of 4ft tall AquaDams, National Guard Participation, kept I-10 open after Harvey Flooding
  • GREECE NY – 6700ft of 4ft tall AquaDams, with National Guard participation, controlled high wave action and subsequent flooding behind Lake Ontario shorefront
  • SCDOT – 9,000ft of 4ft tall AquaDams and 6,000ft of 3ft tall AquaDams, with National Guard participation, kept US-17 open in Georgetown

View More Flood Control Projects

AquaDam Limitations

While an AquaDam is extremely effective as a perimeter flood barrier and for general water control needs in several industries, it has a few limitations. The AquaDam can safely control approximately three-fourths of its height in water depth in optimal conditions, but that rating is decreased if the dam is exposed to:

  • Mud
  • Oil-impregnated soils
  • Slopes
  • Poly pond liners
  • Vertical walls

When the AquaDam reaches its design height, which is measured at the lowest point on its path, it’s considered full. Further filling will not result in additional control capacity or height, and the dam will be at risk of bursting.

The typical AquaDam also does not allow for overtopping, and at ADI, we don’t supply water-filled barriers with an overtopping capability. If water levels seem as though they might exceed the controllable water depth of your primary AquaDam, you will need to use a bigger AquaDam. 

The AquaDam should always be placed somewhere where it won’t be affected by any excavation activities in the work zone. In addition, if one is installed in a high-population area, it should be monitored 24/7 by a guard, as these barriers are vulnerable to cuts and other vandalism.

Proper periodic maintenance pumping is sometimes required to maintain the height of an AquaDam. These units are often reusable under the correct circumstances, but the feature is not guaranteed.

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What Else is Needed?

Humboldt Bay Levee Breach PlugThe AquaDam is a major part of a flood control plan, but there are other parts too.

  • The deployment path of the AquaDam should be planned to be as flat as possible. Creating an AquaDam barrier through low spots will require larger AquaDams.
  • While the AquaDam is an impermeable structure itself, there will be seepage through the ground beneath the AquaDam, into the protected area.
  • Seepage control pumps should be placed at low points in order to remove seepage water as it accumulates. Failure to do so will result in flooding of the protected area.
  • Fuel or electricity for these pumps must also be organized, so that a supply is available to the seepage control pumps as needed.
  • A team of people, with a 6000lbs telehandler forklift (and operator) is enough to deploy up to 6ft tall AquaDams.
  • Pumps used for filling the AquaDam will determine how quickly the AquaDam will be installed. The more pumps running, the faster the AquaDam can be filled. Filling pumps should be supplied in pairs, to match the pair of inner tubes of an AquaDam.

Order Your Flood Protection AquaDams Today

We are confident our AquaDams can help you with your flood protection needs, whether you are seeking to protect homes, neighborhoods, businesses, power plants or other structures in danger of flooding. These water-filled flood barriers have been proven to work when used appropriately along with other flood relief tools, and those who have used them agree that they are the best possible flood control devices when it comes to combining effectiveness, affordability and ease/rapidity of installation.

For flood water depth control needs up to 38”, please contact AquaDam Flood Control Products, LLC.

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