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Water Management & Flood Blog
Water Management & Flood Blog
Read about the latest news and insights in water control, hurricane season preparedness, dewatering applications, flood barriers, and more. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest posts from the Aqua-Barrier Team.
Bridge Construction Simplified With the Aqua-Barrier®
Bridge construction and maintenance often present one major obstacle: how to control the water on the worksite efficiently. Whether it’s an abutment replacement or a full bridge rehabilitation, creating a dry, safe working environment is critical...
How to Protect Commercial Properties from Flooding – Fast, Smart, and Cost-Effective
Flooding can bring commercial operations to a halt—causing costly damage, safety hazards, and lost revenue. This post explores why traditional flood barriers fall short and how the Aqua-Barrier® offers a faster, more reliable solution for protecting retail centers, warehouses, and office campuses. Discover how this innovative, water-inflated dam system is helping businesses stay dry, safe, and open for business during flood events.
Keep Projects Moving: How Aqua-Barrier® Simplifies Culvert Repair
When a culvert breaks down or gets blocked, it can lead to major problems—flooded roads, washed-out driveways, damaged property, and even compromised infrastructure. These aren’t just minor inconveniences—they’re safety hazards and costly...
Pipeline Construction & Repair: How the Aqua-Barrier® Ensures Success
Pipeline construction and repair projects present unique challenges, especially when working in various waterways. Whether working near rivers, lakes, or creeks, water control is essential to maintaining efficiency. It’s also extremely important to...
Streamlining Boat Ramp Construction with a Portable Cofferdam: The Aqua-Barrier® Advantage
Constructing a boat ramp presents several challenges, particularly when it comes to managing water levels and ensuring a dry work area. Traditional dewatering methods, such as sheet piling or sandbagging, can be time-consuming, expensive, and...
Canal Repair Made Easy: Aqua-Barriers Impact on Waterway Restoration
With advancements in design and technology, the Aqua-Barrier® brings new levels of efficiency, environmental mindfulness, and reliability to water management efforts. Let’s explore the core benefits.
What is the Best Water Barrier for Freezing Conditions?
When freezing temperatures set in, worksites face some of their toughest challenges. Snow, ice, and frigid air can wreak havoc on construction schedules, infrastructure repairs, and any project near water. The question becomes: how do you protect...
What are the Benefits of Using the Aqua-Barrier®?
With advancements in design and technology, the Aqua-Barrier® brings new levels of efficiency, environmental mindfulness, and reliability to water management efforts. Let’s explore the core benefits.
Hydration Revolution: How Pillow Tanks are Transforming Water Storage
Ever wondered other ways water bladders could be used in the field? Picture this: a flexible, portable solution that can store thousands of gallons of water and still be compact enough to fit in the trunk of your car. Enter pillow tanks—an...
Powering Through: How Cofferdams Revolutionize Utility Line Construction
Utility line construction is a critical infrastructure project that ensures communities have access to essential services like water, gas, and electricity. However, constructing these lines, especially in waterlogged areas, presents unique...
A Game-Changer for Building Better Boat Ramps: Cofferdams
When it comes to constructing boat ramps, ensuring a dry and stable work environment is crucial. Traditional methods often struggle to manage water intrusion effectively, leading to delays, increased costs, and compromised quality. Enter the...
Optimizing Pipeline Construction: The Role Cofferdams Play in Water Crossing Projects
Image caption: Aqua-Barrier® used for pipeline construction site in Waco, TX. Pipeline construction often involves crossing bodies of water. This presents varying challenges that require unique solutions to ensure the project proceeds smoothly....
Mitigating Flood Risks: Cofferdam Solutions for Flood-Prone Areas
Flooding is one of the most devastating natural disasters, impacting communities, economies, and ecosystems worldwide. For agencies tasked with flood management, finding effective and sustainable solutions is essential. At HSI Services Inc, we...
Aqua-Barrier® Featured on Pile Buck
We were thrilled to be featured in an interview with Pile Buck, a leading voice in the construction and engineering industry. In this insightful conversation, Aqua-Barrier shared our innovative approach to water management and our commitment to...
Using Cofferdams to Minimize Impact on Ecosystems
Construction projects near or in water bodies present unique challenges, particularly when it comes to protecting the surrounding ecosystems. One effective solution to minimize environmental impact is the use of a cofferdam. At HSI, we manufacture...
Innovative Cofferdam Solutions in Bridge Construction and Repair
Throughout history, humans have demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in bridging landforms, from the Roman arches to modern wonders like the Golden Gate Bridge. However, as infrastructure ages, the need for advanced construction and repair methods...
Cofferdam Usage in Spillway and Dam Repair and Construction
Cofferdam Usage in Spillway and Dam Repair and Construction When it comes to repairing or constructing spillways and dams, one crucial tool that engineers rely on is the cofferdam. These temporary structures play a vital role in creating dry work...
The Benefits of Using a Cofferdam for Boat Ramp Construction
Building a boat ramp can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to working with water. Boat ramp construction is a complex process that requires careful planning, skilled engineers, and the right equipment. One of the most useful tools for...
Cofferdam Usage in Creek Crossings
A cofferdam is a temporary structure that is built to separate water from the construction area so that the construction work can be carried out without any hindrance. Cofferdams are commonly used when bridges or other structures are built in...
Safeguarding Flood Prone Areas with Cofferdams
Floods can be extremely detrimental to the life and property of people living in flood-prone areas. Not only do they cause destruction of homes and infrastructure, but they also lead to loss of lives. Governments across the world take extensive...
Cofferdam Use in Utility and Oil and Gas Construction Projects
Utilities and oil and gas construction projects may require extensive excavation. Digging out and drilling in the ground during construction often poses a risk to underground infrastructure such as pipelines, cables, and other utility systems. To...
Preparing for the Worst: A Guide to Hurricane Flood Risks and Preparation
Hurricanes are one of the most destructive natural calamities on earth. They are severe tropical storms that often bring about catastrophic damage to homes, infrastructure, and other properties. One of the most devastating consequences hurricanes...
Cofferdams and Boat Ramp Construction
Boat ramp construction projects require the excavation of waterways and shorelines, which can be a tricky proposition. One of the most effective ways to control the flow of water and maintain a dry work area during these operations is through a...
The Positive Environmental Uses of Cofferdams
The use of cofferdams is not new in modern construction engineering. These temporary structures are often used by contractors to separate the work zone from the surrounding areas. They are also used to pump out water and create a dry work...
Retaining Wall Construction & Water Control
When it comes to building a retaining wall, water control is an essential consideration. A retaining wall is a structure used to support soil and keep it from eroding or sliding away. In order for a retaining wall to be effective, it must be...
Dam Construction, Maintenance and Repair
Dams are an important part of our infrastructure. They also generate hydroelectric power, which is a renewable and emissions-free source of energy. In addition, dams help to control floods. Despite their importance, dams are often taken for...
Protecting Your Property from Snowmelt Flooding
Snowmelt flooding is a real risk for businesses, homeowners, and property owners in areas that experience heavy snowfall during winter. If you live in such an area, you know that when springtime comes around, the melting snow can cause serious...
Dewatering for Culvert Repairs
In this blog post, we'll discuss the basics of dewatering for culvert repairs, including why it's necessary, how it's done, and what to consider when planning your project. Why is Dewatering on Culvert Repairs Important? Effective dewatering is an...
The Delicacy of Bridge Repair & Construction
As traffic in our nation continues to increase, so does travel on some of the most sensitive infrastructures we have, bridges. In fact, a recent study taken from Texas shows that the number of structurally deficient bridges in the state has risen...
Hurricane Flooding and Preparedness
Recently, the state of Florida was hit with one of the worst major hurricanes since 1935, Ian, a massive category 4 that left over $50 billion in damages. While natural disasters are nothing new for the gulf coast, the ever-increasing severity, and...
Low Environmental Impact Of The Aqua-Barrier® Cofferdam
One of the chief concerns for any construction project that is near a body of water is the environmental impact that water diversion can have on wildlife, and even the water source itself. With increasing regulatory measures in place, traditional...
Keeping Roadways Open During Flood Events
Ask almost anyone on the Gulf Coast about August 25th, 2017, and you'll hear words like "biblical", "once in a lifetime" and "devastating". Hurricane Harvey caused over $125 billion in damage and is considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime flooding...
Seawall Repair: What You Need To Consider
There's an inherent cost to living near the ocean or other large bodies of water, you have to keep your property safe while still being able to access the very resource that makes living there so attractive, the water. This creates a unique...
Culvert Construction, Inspection & Application
The usage of culverts is an important piece of the overall North American infrastructure, and similar to bridges, many have fallen into disrepair, or have become hydraulically outdated as changes in terrain and runoff conditions evolve over time....
Pipeline Construction: Energy Delivered
The United States is no stranger to pipelines or pipeline networks as over 3 million miles of mainline and other pipeline networks traverse the continent currently. Over half of our current gas pipeline infrastructure has come in the 1950's and...
The Failing American Infrastructure
231,000 of the 617,000 bridges in the US or 37%. That is the number of bridges currently in the United States that need repair or preservation work. It's all part of a larger, more eye-opening problem, America's Infrastructure is aging and is...
Greater Flood Risk Requires Greater Protection
The recent Hurricane Ida is just a memory for some of us. For many others, it is the source of daily struggles through a long, ongoing recovery. It also doesn’t take a long look back to remember other devastating events like Hurricane Harvey, which...
The Aqua Barrier in Pipeline Dewatering
If you plan to carry out a pipeline dewatering project on a construction site, investing in the Aqua Barrier is essential. Dealing with water during pipeline construction can pose significant risks to workers if not handled well. So, you must...
Breaking Down the Aqua-Barrier Cofferdam Design
The best cofferdam design has an exclusive patented inner baffle system, resulting in a safe, stable, and adequate water control system. Thankfully, Aqua Barriers offer unique accessories to facilitate infield use. So if you want to lower your...
Hurricane Preparedness for Construction Sites
Proper planning is the basis of hurricane preparedness for construction sites. Buildings under construction are at high risk of catastrophic damage during hurricanes. So, planning can make a significant difference in how construction sites can...
Aqua Barrier: The Best Alternative to Sandbags for Flooding
When looking for the best alternatives to sandbags, you should first think of the Aqua Barrier. It provides sufficient flood protection for your properties. In addition, the inflated cofferdam comes with spongy internal baffles, which offer...
Inflatable Bladder Dam Installation: Preparing Your Construction Site
Whenever you have a construction project on a site filled with floodwater, it’s crucial to use an inflatable dam to maintain the project’s integrity. That will also help you keep the worksite dry and protect your workers from any danger that might...
Using the Aqua Barrier for Pipeline Construction and Inspections
During pipeline construction, it’s imperative to maintain a dry worksite, and the best way to achieve that is by using the Aqua Barrier. Unfortunately, pipeline construction usually involves many challenges of working in water, compromising the...
Seamless Bridge Repair and Dewatering with the Aqua Barrier
With the increasing number of structurally deficient bridges in the United States, bridge repair has become essential. Quoting the American Road & Transportation Department, “Nearly 231,000 U.S. bridges need major repair work or should be...
Save Money on Your Dewatering Project with the Aqua Barrier
Most people prefer the Aqua Barrier for their dewatering project because it is easy to use, affordable and efficient. Construction dewatering ensures your construction site is safe from damages caused by water and that your work environment will...
3 Ways to Save Money on Your Upcoming Construction Projects
If you had known how to save money on construction projects, you could have saved thousands of dollars. However, keeping your building expenses under control should not deny you the best value for your money or compromise the quality of your...
5 Steps Towards a Successful Cofferdam Project
Whether you are restoring a bridge, constructing a boat ramp, or cleaning a swimming pool, any cofferdam project will be successful when you do it correctly. You’ll have to get all the necessary tools, apply for relevant permits, and hire an expert...
Pool Repair and Maintenance Made Easy with Aqua Barrier
Pool repair and maintenance during the summer can be very disappointing when you have to close it. The good news is that you can keep your pool running while repairing or maintaining it. All you have to do is invest in the Aqua Barrier. Your...
Choosing the Aqua Barrier for Summer Boat Ramp Construction Projects
With summer approaching, it would be great to start thinking about boat ramp construction, especially if you have a boat. As you get ready to have some fun in the sun, be keen to avoid last-minute construction in the hot summer sun. You have to...
Preparing for Flash Floods: Tips for Before, During, and After
Preparing for flash floods can help you avoid inconveniences that come with flooding. It is crucial to prepare for flash floods before, during, and after. Not all torrents are similar as some floods develop over some time while others grow slowly....
Erosion Control Methods for Construction Sites
There are several erosion control methods for each phase of a construction project to prevent sediment-lament runoff. Without controlling erosion in construction sites, it will pose significant threats to the environment by causing water pollution...
How Does a Commercial Flood Barrier Work?
You’ve probably heard about flood barriers, but you may still be questioning, “How does a flood barrier work? If your commercial property is in a flood-prone area, you should consider investing in a flood barrier to protect it against floods....
What is Dredging in Construction?
What is dredging in construction? If you’ve heard about sedimentation in rivers, lakes, and canals, you will quickly understand the dredging process. Simply put, sedimentation is the accumulation of sand, silt, and other debris at the bottom of a...
Types of Flood Barrier Installations
Flood barrier installations come in different forms. Every structure is designed to fit particular setups. Either way, barrier installation before severe storms saves you resources. There is hardly any doubt about the effectiveness of...
Commercial Property Flood Barriers: What Are The Benefits?
As the hurricane season approaches, businesses operating in flood-prone areas need to invest in commercial flood barriers. It is the best way to prepare and protect your property from ravaging floods. Whether you own a retail establishment or an...
5 Types of Hurricane Categories
There are five hurricane categories, which will most likely produce some damage when they find you unprepared. Major hurricanes usually occur along the coastal regions and can range from severe thunderstorms to highly devastating disasters. The...
5 Causes of Flooding to Watch Out For
Most causes of flooding are natural and can be disastrous when you are unprepared. It is no doubt that many people have lost lives due to flooding. The first step to reducing the number of flood casualties is understanding the various causes of...
Protect Your Business From Flooding with These Steps
Before the wet season starts, it is better to know how to protect your business from flooding. Sometimes the season comes with more chaos than expected and can result in significant damages. Business owners who have dealt with flood damages can...
Aqua-Barrier® Inflatable Dam Dewatering Solutions for Utility Lines
Utility line installation requires a dry area. It is up to utility companies to work with the construction personnel to apply equipment like Aqua-Barrier® Inflatable Dam to dewater the installation area. Such equipment is cost-effective and...
Why is Dewatering Important for Construction?
Dewatering is somewhat expensive but a necessary step when building structures in or near water bodies. The purpose of dewatering is to improve the construction area's condition and make better use of construction materials. It involves the use of...
Premier Shoreline Restoration Techniques with the Aqua-Barrier
Shoreline restoration techniques are vital to prevent shoreline erosion and protect fish and wildlife when a crew works along a water body. With the help of the Aqua Barrier, your construction company can have a seamless time constructing along the...
The Aqua-Barrier for Pool Surface Repair and Maintenance
Performing pool maintenance during the hot summer months is not likely to be welcomed by many, especially if you have to close the pool. Most pool owners don’t want to shut their pools down for repairs and maintenance during the hottest days of the...
Inflatable Dam for Pipeline Dewatering and Construction
An inflatable cofferdam is useful in several applications, including pipeline construction. Since installing large pipelines involves digging underground, it’s essential to keep the surrounding area dry. With the Aqua-Barrier inflatable cofferdam’s...
Basics of River Intake & Outfall Projects
When working on an intake outfall construction project, you will need to create a dry worksite to ensure your workers' safety. Keeping the river water at bay will also ensure a smooth process, enhancing work quality. To simplify the dewatering...
Aqua-Barrier Inflatable Dam for Dredging Projects
Dredging involves the removal of debris or sediments from the bottom of rivers, harbors, or lakes. To create a safe working environment during the dredging process, you should keep the water levels at bay using an Aqua-Barrier® Inflatable Dam....
Using Diversion Pipes to Maintain Water Flow
Diversion pipes have helped many contractors dewater areas where construction of abutments, bulkheads, piers, retaining walls, and other structures occur. When working in applications that require dry work surfaces, you’ll need to cut off the water...
Using an Inflatable Dam for Concrete Repair
Any concrete repair project requires a dry work environment for quick reinforcement of concrete surfaces. If the structure is near a wet area, you have to keep water at bay until you complete the repair project. With the inflatable dam,...
Aqua-Barrier Uses for Canal or Culvert Construction
During canal construction, you’ll need to dewater the worksite to protect your workers from any risk that might occur. The most reliable way to control water flow is installing the Aqua-Barrier, an inflated water-filled barrier that restricts water...
Dewatering Solutions for Bridge or Dam Projects
What dewatering solutions are you considering for your upcoming bridge projects? So often, bridge constructions go wrong due to a lack of proper dewatering solutions. It is not only bridge constructions that need an excellent dewatering solution....
Aqua Barrier Inflatable Dam for Boat Ramp Construction
For efficient boat ramp construction, you’ll need to control the water surrounding the site. The best way to achieve that is by installing an Aqua-Barrier inflatable dam. With this dewatering solution, you can seamlessly create a dry working site...
How to Decrease the Environmental Impact of Construction
Construction projects have a significant impact on the world’s environment. In fact, every aspect of construction has some measurable impact--from mining processes used for materials, to the waste produced by the project and how it is disposed of....
3 Reasons to Choose Aqua-Barrier in 2021
Happy New Year! Now is a great time to reevaluate your progress and set goals for the future. As you start setting resolutions for 2021, it’s important to think of ways to improve your business and protect your employees. By investing in an...
Happy Holidays from the HSI Services Team!
Most of us can agree 2020 was not a very pleasant year. But as the year draws to a close and the holiday season continues, it’s time to look toward 2021 with hopes for a better future. In the meantime, we should all take a moment to enjoy our time...
We’re Now ISO 9001 Certified!
HSI Services has recently been granted the ISO 9001:2015 Certification! This is a great accomplishment for our company to be able to grow and continue providing quality service. What does it mean to be ISO 9001 certified? [bctt tweet="What is an...
How Does an Inflatable Cofferdam Work?
Compared to other dams, inflatable cofferdams are very beneficial. They are engineers' idea of restricting flooding water in construction projects near water surfaces or areas prone to floods. These portable dams provide dewatering solutions in...
The Importance of Dewatering Your Construction Site
Many builders who have worked in waterlogged areas understand the importance of dewatering solutions on construction sites. If you’re constructing a building, a bridge, or a boat ramp, you might need to dewater the worksite to create a safe work...
Happy Thanksgiving from HSI Services!
Whether you’re new to HSI Services Inc. or you’ve been with us for a while, we want to wish you a happy Thanksgiving! It’s time to take time off work, enjoy a great meal, and spend time with your family. What are you thankful for this year? Here’s...
New Website Launch for HSI Services!
HSI Services is proud to announce the launch of our revamped website! Our new website is an exciting part of our ongoing effort to improve our Aqua Barrier cofferdams and services for you, our most valued clients. [bctt tweet="Our new website is...
What Are the Uses of Cofferdams for Construction?
You are probably wondering, “What is a cofferdam used in construction?” A cofferdam is a structure used to retain water and allow builders to dewater construction sites. It helps to maintain a dry work site when constructing structures in...
What is the Dewatering Process on a Construction Site?
The dewatering process in construction sites involves the removal of groundwater or surface water from the workplace. The process is usually carried out by pumping or through evaporation before excavating the ground for footing. It also helps to...
Flood Protection for Commercial Businesses
Commercial flood protection is a serious undertaking that every business owner needs to address. Like other structures, commercial property can also get damaged by floods. With proper preparation, you can prevent the ravaging floodwaters from...
Types of Dams and How They Work
There are several types of dams, and each gets constructed based on usage. In the latest report by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), there are over 90,000 dams in the United States. However, these dams have different structures and...
How Do Inflatable Cofferdams Help With Flood Control?
Both hurricanes and extreme rainstorms can present a number of problems for local communities. When weather authorities issue a flood warning, many business owners turn to sandbags or alternate flood control methods to prepare. But what if there...
Successfully Using an Inflatable Cofferdam: 5 Essential Factors
An inflatable cofferdam offers an efficient and effective way of controlling invasive water during floods. So, if you’re running a project that requires dewatering solutions, consider the inflatable cofferdam. We’ll show you how to use it. Keep...
Shoreline Restoration with an Aqua-Barrier
Shoreline restoration plays a significant role in maintaining an ecological balance of the natural environment. Whether engineered or constructed by nature, a shoreline can still experience erosions. And if that happens, it must get restored to...
Hurricane Season 2020: How to Weather the Storm
We all know how devastating a hurricane storm can be, especially during the peak of hurricane season 2020. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 19 to 25 named storms and 7-11 hurricanes. Also, the 2020 Atlantic...
Flood Preparedness Checklist for Business Owners
A flood preparedness checklist can help you avert the devastating impacts of floodwater on your business. This is especially important if you live in a flood-prone region like southern Texas. Although you can use flood insurance to reinstate your...
School Safety: Developing a Flood Preparation Plan
Across the United States, floods account for major property damage and lost lives each year. Texas in particular leads the nation in flood risk and fatalities each year. By having a proper emergency plan in place, your school can mitigate the risk...
Getting Your Construction Site Ready for a Hurricane
Since strong hurricane winds can cause significant destruction in a construction site, hurricane preparedness is essential. When the storm hits hard, it can blow away building materials, flood the construction site, and weaken buildings under...
Hurricane Safety Tips to Ride Out the 2020 Hurricane Season
Hurricanes are one of the most devastating natural events in the world. From major flooding, mandatory evacuations, property damage, and even fatalities, hurricanes can quickly cause destruction wherever they land. As the peak of hurricane season...
4 Resources for Hurricane Information
2020’s hurricane season isn’t over until November 30. And for Houstonians, hurricanes and their fallouts are all too familiar. Staying up to date on local developments and news can save lives. Where can you go for reliable information during...
The 5 Hurricane Categories Explained
Hurricanes are an unfortunate reality for many coastal states. However, the term “hurricane” on its own isn’t sufficient to describe the storm. Hurricanes can range from particularly severe thunderstorms to truly devastating disasters. To give...
Effects of Flooding in 2020
Floods are no joke. The impact they leave on the local community and environment can still be felt years after the disaster. Even minor floods can do a remarkable amount of damage. Understanding the dangerous effects of flooding is an important...
Flash Floods vs. Floods
We’ve all received weather alerts before, whether via text message, radio broadcast, or TV spot. While most of these alerts present straightforward information, sometimes certain types of alerts can seem redundant. This is particularly obvious when...
The Worst Flood Events of the Last Decade
History has plenty to teach us on a wide variety of topics, including weather. Severe storms and natural disasters are certainly nothing new. However, looking back at our responses to storms can help us understand how to improve and prevent a...
How to Prevent Flooding in Low-Lying Areas
Water always flows downhill. Consequently, low-lying regions are far more likely to experience severe flooding than more elevated areas. While keeping floods from ever happening is completely impossible, we can and should take measures to minimize...
Top 4 Dangers of Flood Water
In the midst of a heavy storm or aftermath of a hurricane, flooding presents a number of dangers to consider. One major problem is the adverse effects of pollution on floodwater. From infectious diseases to toxic fumes, your health is put at risk....
Installation Guide for Your Flood Barrier
In the event of a severe storm, having a way to keep rising water levels from your property is necessary on all accounts. Our specially designed flood barrier, namely the Aqua-Barrier, is proven to keep flood-prone areas from suffering water...
Best Alternatives to Sandbags for Flooding
Having a reliable way to prevent water damage is crucial for any property owner. You may find it difficult to choose a reliable flood protector amidst the different options currently on the market. While sandbags have been used for many years, the...
Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Your Business
Staying safe during hurricane season is important for both big and small businesses. The best way to prepare for any tropical storm or hurricane headed your way is by planning ahead. Ensure the continued protection of your employees and property...
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