Government agencies carry a major responsibility. Municipalities, water boards, and public utilities must keep communities safe, protect the environment, and ensure that essential infrastructure operates without interruption. Pumps play a central role in this. From wastewater transport to flood protection, from treatment plants to irrigation, every system depends on equipment that delivers consistent performance in demanding conditions.

Gorman-Rupp supports public agencies with pump systems built for long operating cycles, straightforward maintenance, and reliable performance during critical situations. With decades of experience in municipal and government projects, we understand the challenges operators face in the field. This blog outlines the key applications where pump reliability directly influences public safety and service continuity.

Wastewater pumping: continuous performance in municipal networks

Wastewater transport is one of the most essential public services. Municipal pump stations must handle varying flows, abrasive solids, sanitary wipes, and unpredictable peak loads. A blocked pump can cause significant operational and environmental issues.

Self-priming centrifugal pumps from Gorman-Rupp streamline maintenance. They are installed in dry, accessible locations, eliminating the need for confined-space entry. Operators can inspect and service pumps quickly, reducing downtime and ensuring the system remains available.

Modern wastewater networks demand systems that deal with solids effectively. Gorman-Rupp designs pumps with large free passages and special impellers that minimize the risk of clogging. This is especially valuable for municipalities dealing with increased fibrous waste in the wastewater stream. The result is consistent flow, less manual intervention, and predictable operating costs.

Government agencies choose these systems because they combine practical advantages with long-term reliability. For communities where pump stations run around the clock, durability makes a measurable difference.

Flood control: protection during extreme weather events

Extreme rainfall and stormwater surges are increasingly common. Public agencies must respond quickly to prevent flooding in residential and commercial areas. Pumps are essential for managing water levels, draining low-lying zones, and supporting emergency operations during storms.

Flood control systems require pumps that can start immediately, run continuously, and move large volumes of water with minimal supervision. Gorman-Rupp’s dry self-priming pumps and portable diesel-driven units are designed for exactly this purpose. They provide automatic priming, fast startup, and stable performance even when water levels fluctuate.

During storm events, there is no time for complex procedures. Operators need equipment that works instantly. That is why many emergency teams rely on our pump systems: they protect critical infrastructure such as tunnels, roads, rail lines, and public buildings.

When conditions are severe, the availability of equipment becomes vital. Our systems are built for long run times, reducing the risk of failure during extended rainfall or flooding. This helps municipalities stay prepared and respond effectively to climate-related challenges.

Wastewater treatment plants: efficient pumping for every stage of the process

Treatment plants depend on pumps for screening, grit removal, primary treatment, sludge handling, and final effluent discharge. Each stage requires precise flow control and equipment that can handle solids, chemicals, and demanding duty cycles.

Gorman-Rupp supports treatment facilities with pumps designed for reliability and low maintenance. Our equipment provides consistent flow, even in challenging conditions, helping operators maintain stable plant performance.

Self-priming pumps reduce operational effort. Maintenance can be carried out at ground level without specialized lifting systems or confined-space entry permits. This increases safety while keeping the plant running efficiently.

For sludge applications, pumps need strong solids-handling capabilities. Our designs offer robust performance with minimal clogging, helping treatment plants operate predictably while keeping energy and service costs under control.

Public utilities value solutions that simplify daily operations. With durable components and efficient hydraulic designs, our pumps support long-term plant performance, even under heavy load.

Irrigation: dependable water supply for public landscapes and agriculture

Municipal parks, sports facilities, green zones, and agricultural areas all depend on reliable irrigation systems. Pumps must be able to deliver consistent pressure and flow, operate efficiently for long hours, and withstand changing environmental conditions.

Gorman-Rupp irrigation pumps are used in a wide range of government applications. They support water distribution from reservoirs, canals, and reclaimed water sources. Their consistent output makes it easier for public agencies to manage water use effectively.

In regions affected by drought or variable rainfall, a dependable irrigation system becomes even more important. Our pumps help maintain green spaces and agricultural productivity while supporting responsible water management.

Choosing the right pumps for government projects

Every government project has its own set of specifications. Flow rates, solids content, installation conditions, operating costs, and accessibility all influence the optimal pump choice. Gorman-Rupp works closely with municipalities, utilities, and engineering partners to develop solutions that meet long-term requirements.

Key factors include:

• Pump type suited for the application
• Required flow and head
• Solids-handling capability
• Ease of maintenance
• Installation footprint
• Energy consumption
• Long-term durability

Our dry self-priming pumps are especially valued for their accessibility and low service requirements. For stormwater and emergency operations, portable diesel-powered units provide rapid response capability. For treatment plants, robust solids-handling pumps ensure consistent performance across the full processing cycle.

Supporting public agencies with reliable pump solutions

Government agencies benefit from equipment that delivers predictable performance with minimal downtime. Gorman-Rupp’s focus on reliability, accessibility, and long operating life makes our systems a strong fit for public infrastructure.

When pumps operate continuously, every detail matters. Our designs prioritize ease of service, consistent output, and the ability to handle unexpected conditions. With support available throughout Europe, we help public organizations maintain essential services, even during challenging circumstances.

If you are exploring pump solutions for wastewater, flood control, treatment plants, or irrigation, our team is ready to help you find the right fit for your project.

As we close out 2025, we look back on a year filled with new developments, strong partnerships and moments that made a real impact on our organization. From establishing our assembly line to introducing new future-ready pump solutions and welcoming visitors to our first Open Day, it has been a year full of many clear steps forward.

We have captured the highlights in a special year timeline, included a first glimpse of what is ahead in 2026 and added a short holiday message from our team. 

Curious to see the full overview? You can read it here.

Wastewater systems place high demands on pump performance. Whether you work in industrial processing, food production, metalworking or municipal sewer networks, you need a pump solution that handles solids, reduces downtime and keeps maintenance predictable. Two technologies are widely used in wastewater applications: self priming pumps and submersible pumps. Both move wastewater effectively, but their installation, accessibility and long-term service needs differ.

Below we explain the key differences and how each option performs in industrial and municipal wastewater environments.

1. Installation and operational layout

A self priming pump is installed above ground, outside the wet well. The pump draws wastewater through a short, straight suction line positioned close to the fluid level. This layout makes the system easy to integrate into existing treatment facilities, pumping stations or industrial processes.

A submersible pump operates fully underwater, typically in a wet well, sump or wastewater basin. It is mounted at the bottom and connected through guide rails or a baseplate. Electrical and mechanical connections must be reliably sealed, and depending on depth or location, installation often requires a crane or lifting system.

Industrial wastewater examples

Industrial sites deal with a mix of fluids: process water, sludge, fibrous materials and sometimes corrosive liquids. Self priming pumps are often preferred here because they allow quick access when dealing with abrasive wear, unexpected solids or process fluctuations.

Municipal wastewater examples

Municipalities often use submersible pumps when footprint is limited. However, in many above-ground pumping stations, self priming pumps simplify maintenance and keep operators safely outside the wet well.

2. Maintenance and accessibility

Maintenance is the biggest separator between these technologies.

Because self priming pumps are installed above ground, the pump chamber, impeller, seal and check valves are accessible from the outside. Technicians can complete most tasks without entering the wet well and without removing the pump.

Submersible pumps must be lifted out of the well for nearly all service work. This means additional equipment, more labor and more downtime — especially if the site requires confined-space procedures.

For industries producing large volumes of solids, wipes, fats or sludge, easy access can significantly reduce total cost of ownership.

3. Handling solids in wastewater

Wastewater carries solids of all shapes and sizes: rags, debris, grit, food residues and biological material. The ability to handle these efficiently is essential.

Self priming pumps

• Large free passages
• Simple access to clear blockages
• Designed for high solids handling
• Strong performance in industrial environments

Submersible pumps

• Efficient hydraulic design
• Often used for deeper pits or limited space
• Good performance with standard municipal solids

In many heavy-duty industrial wastewater applications, such as food processing, chemical production or metal finishing, self priming pumps offer greater reliability due to easier inspection and clean-out.

4. Scaling and future growth

Industrial and municipal systems evolve. Flow rates increase, solids content changes, and regulations become stricter.

Self priming systems are easy to upgrade:

• Motor power can be increased
• Impeller materials can be changed
• Pump performance can be adjusted
• Additional pumps can be added above ground

Submersible pumps can also be expanded, but major changes often require work inside the wet well, making upgrades more complex.

5. Industrial wastewater: practical reality

Industrial wastewater often contains:

• Fibrous materials
• Oils and fats
• Chemical residues
• Abrasive particles
• Process water with fluctuating solids

Self priming pumps give operators full visibility and direct access, important for keeping processes running and preventing unplanned shutdowns.

For industries such as:

• Food and beverage
• Paper and pulp
• Metal processing
• Chemical production
• Cement and minerals

A self-priming solution reduces complexity and increases control.

6. Municipal wastewater and sewer systems

Municipal wastewater networks deal with variable flows, peak loads and increasing amounts of wipes and non-disposable materials. Reliability and safe maintenance are key.

Self priming pumps in above-ground stations offer:

• Safe and hygienic maintenance outside the wet well
• Faster service interventions
• Reduced risk for operators
• Long service life through dry motor installation
• High availability during peak demand

Submersible pumps still have their place, especially where space is limited or full immersion is required. But for municipalities aiming to improve safety and long-term operating costs, above-ground self priming systems provide clear benefits.

Conclusion

Choosing between self priming pumps and submersible pumps depends on the requirements of your wastewater system. Self priming pumps stand out in accessibility, solids handling and long-term serviceability, especially in industrial and municipal environments where uptime and safety matter. Submersible pumps remain a strong choice when space is limited or immersion is needed.

If you’re exploring the best pumping solution for your wastewater application, our experts at Gorman-Rupp are ready to support you.