Water-inflated Barriers Series

What is a water-inflated barrier?

Water-inflated tubing is a new and effective emergency method of closing a gap, temporarily raising the height of an existing levee or putting a barrier around a building. It is easier to erect than a sandbag levee or wall, takes much less time and requires little storage space when deflated.

Water-inflated dams have been used widely in industrial applications for containment of oil spills, diversion of water for bridge construction and other large-scale operations. They are available in heights from 2 feet to 6 feet. Some are oval, with one or two internal baffles to prevent rolling; others get their stability from their triangular shape.

• See p. 2, Using a single tube
• See p. 3, Stacking for greater protection

Cost & Considerations

One hundred feet of 4-foot commercial inflatable barrier costs about $600 (Spring, 1998 estimate).

You can make a water-inflated barrier up to 2 feet high by using irrigation tubing. This tubing comes from irrigation supply stores in 1320-ft. rolls (1/4 mile). Ten-mil, 22-inch diameter tubing costs about 28 cents per foot; other thicknesses and diameters are available.

Irrigation tubing is more fragile than a water-inflated dam, and it cannot withstand as much pressure or debris impact. Because the tubing doesn't come with the fittings you'd get with a dam, it can be more difficult to fill.

The level of protection is only as high as the lowest point along the barrier. This method is effective only on level sections of ground.

The principle of blocking floodwater with a barrier filled with water can be applied to other containers of different materials and different shapes. Find something that won't roll, scoot along the ground or tip over. Beyond that, you need to consider how and where you'll store your temporary barrier when it's not in use.

• Keep the necessary materials on hand. This includes tubing, stakes or other support devices, ties or connectors.
• Be sure you can install the system in the amount of time you normally have to prepare for a flood.
• Have a pump inside the protected area. Even good systems leak. Some water will seep in underground, and rain will fall inside your barrier. You have to pump it out.
• Before each flood season, have a practice run. Find the materials and test the pump. A flood protection system is like a chain; it's only as good as its weakest link. If the barrier across an opening fails, your floodwall or levee is of little use.
• As with permanent levees and floodwalls, you need protection from sewer backup.
• Failure of the system for any reason can result in a forceful rush of flood water into the property. Plan for your safety. Decide in advance when you will abandon a flood fight and save your life.