The Water-Gate is a temporary flood barrier which is unique in the way that, once rolled out, it self-deploys.
It uses the weight of the water to hold the water back. The water lifts the top of the barrier whilst at the same time weighing the base down, forming a seal. By utilising this unique self-opening method, it reduces the time, effort and number of people required to install it.
We believe the system can provide an efficient and effective fast response resource when dealing with emergency response situations.
The flood barriers are already used by homeowners, water companies the Environment Agency, and anyone with assets to protect.
Water-Gates have recently been awarded FM approval.
Depending on the model, the weight exerted by the water is up to four times more in the vertical than in the horizontal, thus ensuring the security of the barrier on the ground. It has been designed and tested to work on surfaces including gravel, grass, asphalt and more.
The Water-Gate is available in four styles: WL, WP, WA or WT. The barrier codes are as follows:
First two letters indicate the style of the barrier (WL/WP/WA/WT).
First two numbers are the height of the barrier (in inches).
Last two numbers are the length of the barrier (in feet).
Water-Gate barriers take up limited storage space and can be loaded into a vehicle for transport to site. Singular barriers come in a roll for easy storage and quick deployment. Barriers can be supplied pre-joined for rapid deployment of long lengths, in made to measure boxes. Depending on the size, the boxes can be supplied on wheels or moved by forklift, pallet truck or trailer.
In September 2015, the Water-Gate WL Flood Barrier was awarded FM approval, a worldwide accreditation.
This was following extensive testing by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The barrier was subjected to a full riverine test, along with factory inspections, where all the individual components and processes were inspected.
The Water-Gate was tested as a Temporary Barrier and obtained Silver certification from FM Approvals. Products with FM Approval are recognised around the world as temporary flood risk reduction products.
The Water-Gate has proved itself to be an effective tool in both real life situations, along with extreme testing. WL39, WL50 and WL60 barriers are accredited.
It is a common misconception that sandbags are a cost effective method of flood defence.
Sandbags are often used as a defence method for flooding, but their success is questionable at best. In Sir Michael Pitts review of the 2007 floods he states ‘The review was unable to obtain any significant evidence that sandbags were particularly effective during the 2007 summer floods”.
Sandbags can be used effectively as weights, but surely it is time to embrace the newer, proven Water-Gate barrier?
