Pumps are the core of every water treatment facility—handling everything from raw intake and chemical dosing to sludge management and final water distribution. Choosing the wrong pump type can lead to inefficiencies, equipment wear, and non-compliance with environmental regulations.
This article provides a practical guide for engineers and plant operators selecting pumps for different water treatment stages, using trusted pump brands available in Australia through NFS.
What to Consider Before Selecting a Pump
Each stage of the water treatment process requires pumps tailored to specific demands. Before selecting a unit, it’s essential to consider:
- Type of fluid being handled (clean water, sludge, chemicals)
- Flow rate (m³/h) and total dynamic head (TDH)
- Required duty cycle (continuous or intermittent)
- Resistance to corrosion, scaling, or fouling
- Access to spare parts and servicing
For an overview of available industrial pump categories, including prices and technical uses, visit our industrial pump directory.
Common Pump Applications in Water Treatment
1. Raw Water Intake
This stage often involves handling unfiltered water containing minerals, grit, or debris. Pumps must be robust, corrosion-resistant, and capable of handling variable flow rates.
Recommended types: End suction centrifugal or vertical turbine pumps
Trusted brands:
- Grundfos NB Series
- Flowserve (turbine models)
2. Chemical Dosing and pH Adjustment
Chemical dosing requires metering accuracy and corrosion resistance. Diaphragm metering pumps are widely used for dosing lime, chlorine, or polymer solutions.
Recommended unit: Grundfos SMART Digital DDA
Known for its digital precision and adjustable dosing control.
Learn more about Grundfos models used in dosing via our Grundfos category page.
3. Sludge Handling and Backwash Operations
Sludge and abrasive slurries require pumps that can handle solids without blockage. Progressive cavity or submersible slurry pumps are ideal here.
Recommended models:
- Tsurumi HS2.75S – a high-solids submersible option.
- Tsurumi HSZ-2.75S – with built-in float switch for automatic operation.
For side-by-side comparisons, refer to our Tsurumi slurry pump performance article.
4. Clean Water Transfer and Distribution
Multistage centrifugal pumps are commonly used for filtered water transfer, backwash recycling, or system pressurisation. Efficiency and reliability are critical.
Recommended options:
- Grundfos CR or CM Series – for compact, high-performance delivery
- Tsurumi LB-480 or LB-480A – compact submersibles suited for sump or tank applications
5. Low-Level Drainage and Final Stage Water Removal
Shallow basin drainage or dry floor pumping often requires flat suction submersible pumps.
Suggested models:
- Tsurumi LSC 1.4S – ideal for flat surface drainage
- Tsurumi LSP 1.4S – best for seepage control in plant rooms
- Tsurumi HS2.4S – durable for dewatering with solids content
Environmental and Operational Considerations
Australian treatment plants often operate under harsh conditions, including:
- High UV exposure and outdoor installations
- Heavy rainfall and flash flooding
- Mineral-rich or chemically aggressive fluids
Pumps installed in such facilities should offer:
- IP68 protection for submersibility
- UV-resistant outer casing materials
- Chemical-resistant elastomers and coatings
Selecting models that meet these requirements ensures long-term reliability and reduced service frequency.
Availability of Spares and Technical Support
Using a trusted supplier with strong technical support and spare part availability is essential. NFS Australia stocks full service kits, replacement components, and pump units from both Grundfos and Tsurumi, with support available nationwide.
We help water treatment operators minimise downtime with:
- Fast access to repair kits
- Application-specific pump matching
- On-site and off-site support
- Spare part dispatch within 24–48 hours in most cases
Need Help Selecting the Right Pump?
Whether you’re planning a new installation or upgrading existing infrastructure, NFS Australia offers tailored support and a large inventory of water treatment pump systems.
Explore pump options online at https://nfsonlineshop.com.au
Contact our sales team for guidance on sizing, compatibility, and site-specific recommendations.
We’re here to help you find the pump that delivers the right balance of reliability, efficiency, and lifecycle value.