Temporary Dams & Water Control
Keeping water moving while you get the work done.
FLOW DIVERSION SYSTEMS
We don't simply move water. We control it.
Effective diversion is about understanding how water behaves and creating a safe, controlled route around the works. Our systems combine temporary dams, flumes, storage, and pumping arrangements to maintain flow while creating safe access for construction and maintenance activities.
High-capacity flow diversion often includes flumes — either open or closed — in the deployment. Closed flumes are typically large-diameter pipes connecting water bodies upstream and downstream of the temporary dams; open flumes are designed on a site-specific basis. As with all our hire services, flow diversion systems are delivered as part of our full-service offering.
High Water’s flow diversion systems are engineered to maintain water movement safely whilst creating dry, controlled working conditions. Rather than relying on a single method, we combine temporary dams, pumping systems, flumes and temporary storage to develop a solution tailored to each project’s hydraulic and operational requirements.
Every system is delivered as part of our complete service, from site survey and hydraulic assessment through to temporary works design, installation, monitoring and removal. The result is a reliable, engineered solution that maintains flow, protects critical assets and enables works to proceed safely.
Engineered for each project: Every flow diversion system is designed around the site’s flow conditions, constraints and operational requirements, ensuring the most effective solution for the works.
Integrated water control: We combine temporary dams, flumes, pumps and water storage into a single engineered system, rather than supplying standalone equipment..
Complete project delivery: From survey and temporary works design through to installation, monitoring and removal, we provide a single point of responsibility throughout the project..
Proven performance: Our systems maintain continuous flow whilst creating safe working conditions, helping reduce programme risk, minimise environmental impact and keep critical infrastructure operational.
Maintaining water movement while repairs, inspections, and upgrades are carried out to bridges, culverts, headwalls, and associated infrastructure. Diversion systems allow safe access to structures that would otherwise remain submerged.
Supporting river restoration, habitat enhancement, fish passage improvements, and weir removal projects. Controlled diversion creates dry working areas while maintaining flow through the wider catchment.
Creating access to operational assets where shutdown is impractical or undesirable. Diversion systems help maintain continuity of service while refurbishment, maintenance, and upgrade works are undertaken.
Rapid deployment of temporary water-control measures following flooding, scour, structural damage, or asset failure. Diversion systems help stabilise conditions, reduce risk, and create access for permanent repairs.
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Effective diversion is about understanding how water behaves and creating a safe, controlled route around the works. The objective is not simply to move water, but to maintain stability, safety, and operational continuity throughout the project.
Where site conditions allow, gravity-fed diversion systems can significantly reduce reliance on pumps, fuel, power supplies, and continuous operator intervention. This often improves reliability while reducing operational costs.
Flume systems can provide substantial bypass capacity, allowing complete isolation of work areas while maintaining flow through rivers, channels, and water infrastructure. This enables projects that would otherwise be impractical or prohibitively expensive.
Well-designed diversion systems reduce the operational risks associated with prolonged pumping operations and provide greater resilience during changing site conditions, fluctuating water levels, and longer construction programmes.
Diversion systems are designed alongside temporary dams, containment systems, and construction methodology. By considering the project as a whole, we develop practical solutions that support the permanent works rather than complicate them.
Gravity is free, reliable, and available 24 hours a day. Get in touch to discuss the best diversion system for your project.
