Kessel Staufix
Kessel Pumpfix
Floods in the UK and Beyond: A Growing Concern
Floods have emerged as an escalating concern in the United Kingdom, propelled by rising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns. In this article, we investigate how floods can permanently affect individuals, families, and businesses, but also how you can mitigate the terrible damage they can cause, thereby safeguarding the safety of your loved ones, your business, and your property.
Environmental Consequences
Erosion and habitat destruction floodwaters can erode soil, leading to the catastrophic destruction of natural habitats and landscapes. This degradation has profound implications for the biodiversity of affected areas, disrupting delicate ecosystems.
Water Contamination
One of the less visible yet potent consequences of flooding is water contamination. Floodwaters carry a plethora of pollutants, ranging from chemicals to debris and sewage, thereby posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and, subsequently, public health.
Soil Degradation
Agricultural lands bear the brunt of floods; the deluge deposits sediments, thereby impacting soil quality and fertility. The long-term consequences extend to reduced agricultural productivity, affecting farmers and communities dependent on these lands.
Economic Impact
Infrastructure Damage
The toll on infrastructure during flooding events is staggering, encompassing roads, bridges, and buildings. The financial burden of repairing and rebuilding these structures becomes a formidable challenge for affected regions, straining economic resources.
Agricultural Losses
The agricultural sector experiences substantial losses, from damaged crops to livestock casualties. The reverberations extend beyond individual farms, affecting food supply chains and contributing to economic instability.
Disruption of Business Operations
Floods disrupt business operations on various scales, from small enterprises to larger corporations. The economic fallout creates a ripple effect, impacting local economies and, ultimately, the national economic landscape.
Social Consequences
Displacement and Homelessness
The most immediate and visible impact of flooding is the displacement of communities, often forcing residents to evacuate their homes. This results in temporary or prolonged homelessness, straining social support systems and community resilience.
Health Risks
Post-flood scenarios present health risks, including waterborne diseases and the spread of pathogens. Contaminated water sources and unsanitary conditions contribute to increased health challenges for affected populations, demanding swift and effective response measures.
Psychological Impact
Beyond the tangible losses, the psychological toll of flooding cannot be overstated. The trauma associated with losing homes, possessions, and community ties has lasting effects on individuals and communities, necessitating mental health support and intervention.
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
As the United Kingdom and the rest of the world face the potential for increased flooding, it is imperative that mitigating measures are put into place. At IPS, we pride ourselves on supplying quality, durable products that significantly lessen the impact of floods, thereby safeguarding against physical, mental, economic, and environmental damage.
With the installation of products such as those supplied and distributed by IPS, we can ensure that there is proactive investment in resilient infrastructure in the form of flood barriers and enhanced drainage systems. The installation of these products form part of a crucial strategy to mitigate the impact of floods on communities.
Sewers, in particular, can feel the brunt of floodwaters, the result of which can be disastrous for property owners and businesses. In these instances, the installation of a backwater valve can be a lifesaver. Kessel’s Staufix valve and Pumpfix F, for example, are prime examples of industry-standard mitigation measures used to prevent the loss of life and property during a flood.
As explained by Kessel,
during a severe storm or heavy rainfall, the sewer system cannot remove the sheer volume of water fast enough. The water pushes back from the sewer into residential properties or commercial buildings, and it is not uncommon for rooms at basement level and sometimes those at ground floor to be flooded. The consequences: considerable damage combined with high costs and, last but not least, plenty of hassle. But remedial action is not difficult at all. A backwater protection system effectively prevents sewer system water from entering the building.
Properties without adequate drainage systems can be at severe risk of flood damage as, during heavy rain, the water level rises above the so-called backwater level. This term is typically used to mean street level. Rooms in the basement or cellar quickly become flooded. This results in significant damage and costs. Properties with backwater drainage protection, however, will be protected by a backwater valve. In the event of backwater, the flap closes so that no wastewater can enter the building. If the public sewer is higher than the drainage points in the building, the wastewater must be pumped above the backwater level via a lifting station.[i]
Backwater valves such as described above not only have the ability to safeguard homes and businesses, but can also reduce the risk of environmental contamination, agricultural degradation, and erosion, all of which can maintain the physical and mental health of individuals at risk of flooding.
Alan Sowerby, Sales Engineer at IPS, explains that “Kessel are industry leaders in property flood resilience; they are a company that is able to offer customers a degree of certainty in the prevention of floods”.
As individuals look for the degree of certainty offered by KESSEL - Leading in Drainage, one thing is clear: mitigation measures are sorely needed, particularly as world temperatures rise and populations continue to experience disruptive weather, not only in the United Kingdom, but globally. IPS – as principal supplier and distributor of Kessel in the United Kingdom and Ireland – is well-suited to facilitate imperative infrastructural enhancements, particularly with regard to sewage drainage.
If you feel as though IPS may be the right fit for you, please contact Alan Sowerby or Mark Haydon today. We are here to help and, as we look towards an uncertain future, IPS is committed to giving you the peace of mind you, your family, and your business needs.
Remember, floods in the UK present a complex and urgent challenge, requiring a holistic and collaborative approach. As the spectre of climate change looms, proactive measures such as improved infrastructure, early warning systems, and sustainable land use planning become paramount. The collective efforts of policymakers, communities, and individuals are essential to building a more resilient and adaptive society capable of confronting the growing challenges posed by flooding in the United Kingdom and beyond. The installation of products such as those manufactured by Kessel – and supplied and distributed by IPS – form part of a solution we desperately need to bring about this vital, greener future.
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