Mexico City starts up pumping stations

Two new pump stations in Mexico City's extensive wastewater treatment system began operating in late July 2002. Twenty heavy duty submersible propeller pumps, manufactured by ITT Flygt AB, now operate in the Gran Canal and Rio Hondo River as part of the improved municipal wastewater pumping system. The US$ 3.5m order includes pumps, discharge columns, spare parts and on-site verification tests.

The water table has dropped since the wastewater canals were built in Mexico City so the Dirección General de Construcción y Operacion Hydráulica (DGCOH) constructed two new pump stations and installed high-voltage Flygt submersible pumps to lift water up to a level where the water can flow freely downstream.

Fourteen 300-kW pumps, with a total capacity of 40 m3/sec, will operate at the largest station, located on the Gran Canal that runs northeast through the city. Most of the city's wastewater and stormwater, 95% of which falls between April and October, flow down the canal. Six 480-kV pumps, with a combined capacity of 20 m3/sec will operate at a smaller station on the Rio Hondo River, which flows northwest through the city. The order also included discharge columns, spare parts and special tools, service engineer training, installation and comprehensive verification on-site training. ITT Flygt AB is based in Stockholm, Sweden.