Diversion Pipes

Water Diversion for Temporary Construction Dewatering

Many construction projects require dewatering submerged work areas to facilitate the installation, repair, or rehabilitation of retaining walls, seawalls, bulkheads, bridge piers, abutments, culverts, and other structures located within waterways. Maintaining a dry work environment while allowing water to continue flowing is often critical to both construction efficiency and environmental compliance.

When used in conjunction with diversion pipes, an AquaDam® provides an effective temporary cofferdam system that controls water levels upstream while safely directing flow around or through the work area.

Benefits of Diversion Pipes

Diversion pipes provide an efficient means of bypassing flowing water through or around a construction site. When combined with an AquaDam®, they offer several important advantages, including creating a dry work area, maintaining natural water flow, and reducing overall project costs.

Creating a Dry Work Area

The primary purpose of a diversion pipe system is to isolate the construction area by conveying water around or through the work zone while maintaining dry working conditions. This method is well suited for rivers, streams, canals, and tidal environments.

Depending on project requirements, diversion pipes may be routed beneath an AquaDam®, through the work area, or around the excavation. In many applications, pipe diversions provide a simpler and more efficient alternative to temporary channels, diversion dikes, or more complex cofferdam systems.

Maintaining Water Flow

Many projects require continuous downstream flow to satisfy environmental regulations, operational requirements, or aquatic habitat protection. Diversion pipes allow water to remain within a controlled flow path while construction activities proceed in dry conditions.

By maintaining uninterrupted flow, diversion pipes can help minimize impacts on aquatic species and downstream users while providing contractors with a stable and accessible work environment.

Unlike pumped bypass systems, diversion pipes require no fuel, electrical power, or continuous monitoring once installed, making them an efficient solution for long-term water diversion.

For applications involving flowing water, AquaDam® recommends using welded HDPE pipe whenever practical. Continuous welded pipe minimizes leakage, withstands dynamic hydraulic conditions, and provides greater reliability than mechanically connected pipe sections.

A Cost-Effective Water Diversion Solution

Using an AquaDam® with diversion pipes is often one of the most economical methods for temporarily redirecting flowing water around a construction site.

The AquaDam® is installed over one or more diversion pipes, creating an upstream water seal while directing flow through the pipes and discharging it safely downstream. This installation method—commonly referred to as a Flume Pipe system—has been successfully used on numerous temporary water control projects.

Because the AquaDam® is water-filled, it conforms to irregular streambeds, providing an effective seal while eliminating many of the installation challenges associated with conventional sheet piling or earthen cofferdams.

Cofferdams with Diversion Pipes

Temporary cofferdam installations typically rely on one of several water management methods, including in-channel diversions, pump-around systems, bypass channels, or diversion pipes. Each method captures upstream flow before it reaches the work area and safely returns it to the channel downstream.

In diversion pipe applications, the pipes are installed first, after which the AquaDam® is positioned directly over them. The AquaDam® creates the upstream head necessary to feed water through the pipes while isolating the construction area.

For improved sealing around the pipes, a second, smaller AquaDam® may be installed beneath the diversion pipes and partially filled after the primary AquaDam® has been positioned and fully filled. This additional seal can significantly reduce seepage and improve overall system performance.

Why Choose an AquaDam®?

The AquaDam® is an ideal temporary water-filled cofferdam for diversion pipe applications. Its flexible, lightweight design allows for rapid installation while providing an effective seal across a wide range of streambed conditions.

Most AquaDam® installations can be completed within a few hours using standard construction equipment. After project completion, the work area must be re-watered, the system can be drained, removed, and potentially reused on future projects, providing significant long-term value.

Standard AquaDam® sizes range from one foot to sixteen feet in height and can be manufactured in a variety of lengths to accommodate project requirements. Larger custom units are also available, upon request, for specialized applications.

Constructed from durable, environmentally compatible materials, AquaDam® systems have virtually no impact on water quality and are designed for temporary use in environmentally sensitive waterways.

Request a Quote

If you have questions about using diversion pipes with an AquaDam®, or would like assistance selecting the appropriate system for your project, contact our team today. We can help you determine the most effective temporary water diversion solution for your specific application.