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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.
Hurricane Season 2020: What You Need to Know
With less than a month to spare, it’s time to start getting prepared for this year’s hurricane season. According to the latest predictions, we may be experiencing one of the most active seasons in the last couple of years. [bctt tweet="It’s almost...
Importance of Erosion Control in 2020
Erosion is a top concern for construction sites around the world. In addition to posing a threat to the environment, erosion can pollute surrounding rivers and bodies of water, putting both wildlife and human health at risk. That being said, there...
How Can Urban Construction Cause Soil Erosion?
Unlike ever before, the world population is growing and new communities are being developed across large cities. According to a recent survey, nearly 4.1 billion people live in urban areas and 3.4 billion people live in rural areas. This means that...
What Exactly is Construction Erosion?
Erosion is one of the leading issues today, affecting land use, plant growth, and more importantly, construction sites. According to a new study, nearly $8 million economic losses can be attributed to erosion. Understanding construction erosion in...
3 Advantages of Temporary Water Barriers
Water is a powerful force of nature. Without reliable control, water currents can cause extensive damage to buildings, roadways, and equipment. It’s important for businesses, especially construction sites, to have a way to guard against rising...
The Aqua-Barrier Dam: Everything You Need to Know
Does your construction site have a smart alternative to traditional cofferdams and sandbags? Designed with innovative engineering and user-friendly installation, the Aqua-Barrier dam provides reliable water control for construction projects. Find...
Why Choose Aqua-Barrier Inflatable Water Dams?
Flood control and managing water on construction sites is a major concern for many project managers. With all of the options on the market, however, choosing the right solution is essential to many worksites. Find out why Aqua-Barrier inflatable...
4 Reliable Aqua-Barrier Design Configurations
Compared to traditional cofferdams, the Aqua-Barrier is a proven alternative for dewatering construction sites. From building a bridge to installing a culvert pipe, having a versatile water control solution is crucial for any construction crew....
What Are Water-Filled Dams and How Do They Work?
The process of dewatering worksites has been part of the construction industry for decades. Since it’s such a crucial part of building various structures, the process of dewatering and technology innovations have improved with time. One of the more...
Dewatering 101: Complete Guide to Cofferdams
Caissons, cofferdams, inflatable water dams--what are these terms and how do they relate to your construction project? To stay ahead in your construction progress and successfully complete your work, having a dewatering solution is key. Get the...
Caisson vs. Cofferdam: What’s the Difference?
When building a bridge or any other structure in water, a dewatering solution is crucial to completing the project successfully. All dewatering methods are essentially the same, specifically to create a dry work environment. There are, however,...
Top 5 Uses of Cofferdams: Highlighting Inflatable Dams
Understanding the history of cofferdams directly relates to how dewatering solutions are used today. From bridges to canals, the introduction of cofferdams in construction provided a solution for building structures near large depths of water. With...
3 Most Common Types of Cofferdams
Construction building near water poses a number of challenges. Whether you’re building a bridge or constructing an office building, there is a need for reliable water control. Today, the best solution is a cofferdam. Keep your work areas dry and...
What is a Cofferdam in Construction?
In 539 B.C. the first cofferdam was built by King Cyrus of Persia to capture the city of Babylon. While modern dewatering efforts don’t usually concern advancing empires, the cofferdams used today are just as important for construction projects....
Your Guide to Winter Construction Safety
With the approach of the winter season, weather conditions are changing. The drop in temperatures present a number of dangers for construction crews, and it’s important to be prepared if a winter storm were to head your way. Prepare your worksite...
Winter Flooding: How to Prepare Your Worksite
During the colder months, many businesses and construction sites may not think to safeguard against flooding. If you’re part of this majority, you might think hurricane season is the important time to think about flooding. However, according to...
Why the Dewatering Process Matters in Construction
Is your construction site near a body of water? Whether you’re building a bridge or repairing a pipe drain, it’s crucial to have a way to remove water that is effective and accessible for your whole team. That’s the importance of the dewatering...
Construction in Cold Weather: How to Avoid Frostbite
Do you know the warning signs of frostbite or hypothermia? Completing construction projects in cold weather can present a number of health concerns for your crew. Make sure your construction site is prepared to handle the cold temperatures this...
3 Reasons to Invest in an Aqua-Barrier This Year
The new year is a great time to reevaluate your progress and set goals for the future. As you start setting resolutions for 2020, it’s important to think of ways to improve your business and protect your employees. By investing in an Aqua-Barrier...
Merry Christmas from HSI Services!
2019 has zipped along to the end in the blink of an eye and the holidays are upon us. Amidst the hustle and bustle of celebration, this is the season to pause and reflect on this past year. We consider what went well and look for opportunities for...
Your Water Control & Construction Equipment List
Do you have the necessary construction equipment for your next project? Does your crew have what they need to work efficiently? With our wide range of water storage solutions and equipment rentals, our construction equipment list is a great way to...
7 Winter Preparedness Tips for Your Business
Whether you work at a construction site or high-rise office building, the winter season brings a myriad of potential issues. No matter what the weather elements are, your business should be prepared to withstand any kind of emergency during the...
Happy Thanksgiving from HSI Services, Inc!
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...
“Pillow Tanks” for Easy Water Storage
During relief efforts or natural disasters, it’s critical to be able to store clean drinking water or wastewater for disposal. With new technology and environment-friendly materials, “pillow tanks” are becoming the recommended resource for water...
Aqua-Barrier vs. Sandbags
The use of sandbags for flooding protection has been in existence for a while. In the case of a severe storm, sandbags might be your go-to solution to make sure water doesn’t get into your home or business. With new technological innovations,...
Protect Your Business from Floodwaters
Hurricane season lasts through the end of November 2019, and every new tropical storm forming in the Gulf brings the possibility of flooding along the coast. Anyone who’s ever dealt with a flooded home or business knows the huge amount of money and...
Prevent Erosion in Your Construction Projects
Topsoil erosion is one of the biggest environmental issues facing our world today. According to the World Wildlife Federation, half of all topsoil on the planet has eroded away over the past 150 years. And unfortunately, not only is it nearly...
Dewatering Precautions for Your Construction Site
Dewatering your construction site is faster and easier than expected when using the Aqua-Barrier water-filled cofferdams. Aqua-Barriers use less equipment and manpower to install than conventional cofferdam methods, saving you time and money on...
4 Tips for Business Water Conservation
According to the drought monitor on Drought.gov, a decent amount of southern Texas is currently experiencing a mild drought. This may come as a surprise to regions that have noticed an increase in cloudy weather and mild rain. However, the actual...
Save Time with the Aqua-Barrier’s Quick Installation
Construction is generally a rather slow-moving job. With a line of crews waiting to work on each section of the project and a looming deadline for completion, it proves to be demanding work. Any way to save time is welcome. Fortunately, jobs that...
An Overview of Your Aqua-Barrier
From a practical standpoint, the Aqua-Barrier is an excellent tool for your construction crew to have at any worksite that involves a significant amount of dewatering. Its relatively straightforward setup and usage make it easy to learn as well....
What is AquaComp?
If you’ve shopped for an Aqua-Barrier recently, you’ve probably heard about AquaComp. However, chances are you don’t exactly know what the term means. What is AquaComp and how can it benefit your construction project? Simply put, AquaComp is a...
Construction Site Dewatering: Why You Should Get an Aqua-Barrier Soon
Construction projects are rather unpredictable in their timetables. Even if your plan seems flawless, something will happen that you simply can’t control and set your project back. Whether there’s an accident, weather delays, or just a problem with...
Using the Aqua-Barrier for Shoreline Restoration
What comes to mind when you think of construction projects the Aqua-Barrier is perfectly suited for? Shoreline restoration may not be your first thought. However, this environmentally-friendly solution to dewatering and water storage is an...
4 Boat Ramp Construction Safety Guidelines
Many construction projects require dewatering in order to reach the areas that need repairs, and building a boat ramp is certainly no exception. Boat ramp construction carries with it the added risk of working literally in a large body of water,...
4 Safety Tips for Pipeline Construction
Pipelines are essential to our world, carrying everything from water to natural gas for the modern home. Naturally, construction crews spend a good amount of time perfecting each pipeline to ensure it’s up to code and safe. It’s also important to...
Safety Features of the Aqua-Barrier
A partially submerged construction site comes with a few surprise challenges you wouldn’t encounter in a more conventional construction setting. Whether you’re concerned with dewatering or making sure your worksite is visible to others, there are...
How an Inflatable Cofferdam Can Reduce Your Project’s Environmental Impact
Anyone in the construction industry knows the impact a project can have on the surrounding environment. Between waste, energy consumption, and more, construction jobs aren’t always the most environmentally friendly. Fortunately, there are multiple...
Aqua-Barrier Rental Services
The Aqua-Barrier can help your business in multiple ways, depending on your exact need. This versatile cofferdam is a durable, very effective form of water management used as a construction accessory, a method of flood control, or even a water...
3 Flood Control Methods for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season lasts until November 30. Is your business ready to deal with the potential flooding and severe weather we could be facing over the next 4 months? Before the water starts rising, make sure you’ve taken all the necessary preventive...
Understanding Your Aqua-Barrier’s Features
Before you can start using your Aqua-Barrier inflatable cofferdam, you should take the time to understand the features and optional accessories that come with it. Most of these features will be used very often in construction or flood prevention...
Tropical Storm Barry Expected to Reach Hurricane Status
A storm forming in the Gulf of Mexico passed tropical depression status in a matter of hours, earning the title of a tropical storm from the National Hurricane Center on July 11. With winds reaching speeds of 40 mph and a predicted 20 inches of...
Water Storage Applications for Bladder Cofferdams
Inflatable cofferdams serve more purposes than just blocking water. What if you need to store some water for later or transport hundreds of gallons of water to another location? For water storage, the Aqua-Barrier is an excellent way to store and...
Why Choose a Water-Inflated Cofferdam for Swimming Pool Repairs?
Pool repairs or routine maintenance require dewatering part of the pool so a crew can work in safety. Naturally, the remaining water must be held back with a sturdy barrier to prevent leakage or wasting water. For most pool construction or repair...
Why Choose a Water-Inflated Cofferdam for Boat Ramp Construction?
Boat ramp construction projects take place in an area normally submerged in water. Clearly, the construction crew will require a reliable dewatering solution and water barrier to keep the work area safe and dry. For a time-sensitive project, a...
Why Choose a Water-Inflated Cofferdam for Pipeline Construction?
An underwater pipe in need of repairs presents a challenge to the average construction crew. Before any work can begin, the crew has to dewater the entire area and set up a barrier so they can work in safety. Typical dewatering methods and barriers...
The 3 Primary Methods of Installing an Inflatable Cofferdam
An inflatable cofferdam such as the Aqua-Barrier provides a simple, low-cost way to guard against excess water. The barrier can be installed in anticipation of a flood, as a dewatering method, or to help curb the flow of water. Today, we’ll be...
The Best Dewatering Solution for Pipeline Construction
Pipeline construction or repair presents its own unique set of challenges. This is particularly true if the pipe is underwater. To create a clean and safe workspace, your construction group has to completely dewater the area before work can begin....
3 Sandbag Alternatives
What immediately comes to mind when you think about flood prevention? If you’re like most people, you probably imagine building walls out of sandbags to hold back the water. Sandbags have indeed been used for many years and are a reasonably...
Traditional Cofferdam Types and Alternatives
Do you have a construction project that requires a dry worksite? You may have used traditional cofferdam types in the past, but they likely failed in providing quick installation and tear down. It probably also required too many workers while...
How Inflatable Cofferdams Can Save Pool Water During Maintenance
When it’s time to work on your swimming pool, you may be tempted to just drain the water and refill the pool once you’re finished. But there may be a more conservative way to move the water out of your way. Have you tried reusing pool water? An...
3 Types of Removable Flood Barriers
For business owners in Houston and along the coastline, floods are an ever-present danger. Rising water can cause thousands of dollars in damage and set work back by months, if not worse. Unfortunately, preparing the building itself for water...
5 Resources for Understanding Water-Filled Flood Barriers
Flood barriers are essential for dewatering your construction site.. Especially if your company is located in an area prone to flooding, staying informed of flooding solutions could prove very useful. Fortunately, plenty of free online resources...
3 Essentials for Dewatering Your Construction Site
Dewatering is critical, especially when you need to access an area that is submerged. It’s necessary to find a reputable solution both for the safety of the workers and the quality of the finished product. This Cofferdam Cost Calculator can help...
3 Reasons to Choose Inflatable Cofferdam Designs for Construction Projects
Cofferdams, barriers to hold water back from a dewatered construction site, are a critical part of many construction projects. Traditional cofferdams made of wood and steel have dominated this part of the construction industry for years. The...
The Various Types of Flood Barriers
Extreme weather is impacting millions of people worldwide. Whether you live below sea level or near large bodies of water, flooding can pose a real threat. With hurricane season right around the corner, you want to ensure that your commercial...
Water Management for Commercial Pools
Summertime is right around the corner, so that means it’s time to get your commercial swimming pool in tip-top shape. Pools provide instant relief from the intense Texas sun in the greater Houston area. They’re typically packed with guests in the...
Conserve Water During Water Park Construction
Endless, hot summer days are right around the corner. For many, that means spending most days outside near a cool pool. Water parks are a favorite destination for many families because of the fun and exercise provided for kids. Adults also enjoy...
Aqua-Barrier® for Pipeline Construction
When it comes to construction projects, time is literally money. Every minute is extremely valuable, so wasting time is essentially wasting money. However, when a body of water is in the way of the worksite, like in pipeline construction, you might...
Inflatable Cofferdams for Summer Construction Projects
Summertime is right around the corner so that means endless sunny days. In Houston, Texas, the heat and humidity are intense, especially in July and August. For many Texans, being near a swimming pool or at a water park is a necessity.[bctt tweet="...
3 Dewatering Solutions for Boat Ramp Construction
Regardless if your boat ramp is for public or residential use, it’s critical to ensure that it’s being properly maintained. If your boat ramp is deteriorating, it could cause damage to boats and even injuries to passengers. Boat ramps must be built...
What is the Dewatering Process?
Construction dewatering is when groundwater or surface water needs to be removed from a construction site, and if you work in this field, you understand the importance of a dry worksite. Dewatering activities must be done properly to avoid eroding...
5 Steps to Flood Proof Your Commercial Business
Flooding is one of the biggest concerns and can cause the most damage to homes and businesses. Commercial buildings, like any property, are subject to costly weather-related damage, but when you are properly prepared and take the right steps, you...
Dewatering Tips for Construction Sites
If you work in construction, you know that dewatering is needed on nearly all projects. Water needs to be removed from these sites to create a safer work environment, help prevent erosion, and also protect the environment. [bctt tweet="Need to...
5 Solutions to Flooding
No matter where you live, natural disasters like flooding are something to contend with. If you aren't properly prepared, it could prove detrimental to your company. What Steps Can I Take to Protect My Business From Flooding? When you are...
6 Reasons to Invest in Water Storage
There are many instances where investing in water storage might benefit you. One of the most portable methods of storing water is to use an Aqua-Barrier® Water Storage system (formerly Insta-Tank). This durable and reusable storage system is...
When to Consider Shoreline Restoration
If you own a contracting company or work in the construction field, you are well aware that many projects are in or around shorelines. Carrying out the project can damage or disrupt the shoreline, causing erosion and the possible destruction of our...
Aqua-Barriers: The Next Big Thing in Flood Protection
There is one thing no one can escape, and that’s a natural disaster. Luckily, with today’s advancements in technology, we can more accurately predict where disasters are going to occur in nature and therefore be more prepared. This can be...
How to Plan for Long Term Flood Prevention
Weather can be very unpredictable, especially if you live in an area that is prone to flooding and other weather disasters. Floods are relatively common in coastal regions and it is important that you are ready and prepared in order to prevent any...
3 Construction Safety Goals to Set for 2019
2019 has rolled in and what better time to set some new goals for the new year? If you run a construction company, setting a goal for a safer year should be a top priority. [bctt tweet=" Include these 3 safety goals into your construction plan this...
Happy New Year from Aqua-Barrier
2018 has zipped along in the blink of an eye! This is the time of the year we pause and reflect, analyze the year behind us and look ahead with great anticipation for the year to come. We consider what went well and look for opportunities for...
Cofferdam Options: Rent or Purchase?
The Aqua-Barrier® Water-Inflated Dams are the most effective, cost-saving, and efficient dewatering solution on the market today. Cofferdams are reusable, reliable, and environmentally friendly. If your company is looking to make dewatering easier...
The Essential Construction Site Restoration Checklist
Many times, a construction project disrupts the environment and the area they are working in. In order to help preserves the land and local habitats of birds, fish, and other important species. After the construction work is complete, the process...
How to Create a Construction Management Plan
Having a solid plan is the foundation of a successful construction project. In construction, projects may be large and complex, but with a proper construction management plan, you can keep everything running smoothly while managing the constraints...
Proactive Bridge Repair and Maintenance
According to 2017 reports by the American Society of Civil Engineers, more than 40% of the bridges in the United States are over 50 years old, and 10% are structurally unfit. What's scarier is that over 188 million vehicles cross over these bridges...
5 Key Advantages to Using Water Inflated Dams
Whether you are doing bridge repair, sediment control, concrete repairs or many other construction and pipeline projects, a dry workspace is a must. Instead of using time-consuming earthen dams or sandbags, there are numerous benefits to using a...
The Importance of Dewatering Precautions to Ensure a Safe Work Site
If you work in construction, you know how important a dry worksite can be. Dewatering the construction site prior to beginning work allows the site to be safer by lowering the risk of accidents, firms the soil where work will be conducted, and it...
6 Ways to Ensure a Timely Construction Project
So much time and consideration go into commercial construction projects, and sometimes, things can get back up or slowed down, costing you lost time and money. [bctt tweet="How can you reduce the chances of delays in your next construction project?...
7 Different Kinds of Dams & Their Uses
Over 3 million miles of rivers and streams in the United States, and many of these flow into the estimated 84,000 dams around the country. But did you know that not all dams are created equal? They aren’t. In fact, there are many different kinds of...
Shoreline Stabilization Techniques for Managing Erosion
Our shorelines are very important, providing habitats for fish and wildlife, and cleans stormwater runoff before it gets to the water supply. Shoreline erosion is a natural process which takes place on all bodies of water, such as lakes, streams,...
6 Applications That Rely on Fast Dewatering Systems
Managing any project can be challenging, but especially when the project requires dewatering. An Aqua-Barrier inflatable cofferdam is the perfect tool to use in your dewatering system. You will save time, money, and manpower when you use an...
The Flood Recovery Guide For Businesses
Being in the throes of hurricane season, it is vital to your business to plan ahead for floods and disasters. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of small businesses that closed during a natural disaster (like flooding)...
Top Pipeline Construction Safety Tips
According to OSHA, between 2011 and 2017, there were 79 fatalities and over 3070 non-fatal injuries among gas and pipeline workers. And while pipeline construction workers are at a higher risk of accidents, the good news is most are preventable...
The Fascinating History of Cofferdams
Cofferdams are used in many industries when dewatering and water diversion are necessary. You might not realize it, but the history of cofferdams is long and fascinating and dates back thousands of years. During this time the cofferdam has evolved...
Top Tips For Construction Water Diversion
While a dry worksite is essential for many construction and repair projects, there are some cases where it is not feasible to completely cut off the water flow. Sometimes, a project requires you to completely block off the water for the duration...
Mine Reclamation and Dewatering
Mining makes up a large part of our industry here in America. Natural gas, petroleum, and coal, sulfur, and gravel are all examples of minerals and resources we mined in our country. Mines prove useful from a few years to a few decades, but what...
Heat Stress and Construction: Top Ways to Ensure Worker Safety
Even though summer is winding down doesn’t mean the temperatures will be dropping anytime soon. In Texas, extreme heat sticks around for a little longer and it can cause issues for those working long hours in the hot sun doing construction work or...
3 Safety Considerations for Bridge Repair Projects
Construction work is always risky, but bridge repair projects put workers at an even heightened danger. In fact, according to OSHA, over 14,000 workers are killed on the job per year. And, with more than 56,000 bridges in America deemed...
6 Aqua-Barrier® Facts That Might Surprise You
An Aqua-Barrier® is the essential tool when you are working on a dewatering project. These inflatable dams are used in a variety of jobs including the construction of boat ramps, bridges, dams, for concrete repair, pipeline construction and more....
A Quick and Easy Guide to Inflatable Bladder Dam Installation
Inflatable bladder dams are the essential tool when you need a dry worksite for your project. These environmentally safe alternatives to sandbags and classic cofferdams. They are ideal for flood prevention, and other dewatering projects, such as...
6 Ways to Cut Down Your Construction Costs
Operating a construction business costs money, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to cut costs. With careful planning and action, you can also help eliminate waste, decrease negative environmental impact, and boost your bottom line. [bctt...
Construction Dewatering: A Project Manager’s Basic Checklist
Managing any construction project can be challenging, but especially when the project needs construction site dewatering. [bctt tweet="With proper planning and a basic checklist, you can make sure that your construction dewatering project happens...
The Top 6 Uses For a Cofferdam
A cofferdam is an essential tool for any project that requires dewatering. With so many advantages to this versatile tool, there's no reason not to give it a try on your next project. If you need to keep a job site dry, a cofferdam is your best...
Why use a Bypass Pump? Keep The Water Flowing AND Your Work Site Dry!
There are times during the construction process when you need to dewater an area, but the water needs to continue flowing. When this situation arises, utilizing a bypass pump in combination with a cofferdam is the perfect solution. The pump...
How to Keep Your Construction Project On Schedule
Keeping your construction project on schedule is vital to your profit and your company’s reputation. There are many things that can throw your schedule off, like adverse weather, unreliable workers, or unavailable resources. [bctt tweet="Almost all...
Top 4 Dewatering Myths Debunked
Dewatering for a construction project might have been arduous and time-consuming in the past, but a lot has changed over the years making these projects easier and safer than ever. In fact, many old dewatering practices have been abandoned, meaning...
Preparing for an In-Water Repair
When construction projects require repairs in a body of water, it is important to understand what is required and how to successfully prepare. A repair requiring water work might include fixing a dam, constructing or repairing a boat ramp,...
Types of Floods & How to Prepare
Flooding occurs when there is a temporary overflowing of water in areas that are typically dry. According to the Red Cross, floods are one of the most frequent and costly natural disasters in our country. Floods can occur in any U.S. state or...
Your Guide to Boat Ramp Renovation
Nothing lasts forever and that includes boat ramps, too. Through years of use, a boat ramp can deteriorate or break apart and become dangerous, making it unsafe to use. [bctt tweet="When the structure of your boat ramp is compromised, it's time for...
Your Construction Checklist
All building projects need solid plans in order for the construction process to go smoothly. This is especially true for special circumstances, such as dewatering or pipeline construction. [bctt tweet="A carefully planned construction checklist...
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