Dewatering construction sites
Dewatering refers to the removal of groundwater and/or surface water from a site before construction work commences. This may be necessary on sites where there are trenches and excavations in which water can accumulate, in places where there is an inadequate slope for water run-off, or where there is a high water table.
Dewatering techniques typically include pumping and evaporation and may include the use of:
For more information, see Dewatering equipment.
Care should be taken when pumping to ensure water is being discharged somewhere suitable, otherwise erosion and other problems can occur. Best management practices must be followed when pumping water to lakes, wetlands or directly into storm sewers.
NB The SuDS Manual published by CIRIA in 2015 defines de-watering as: ‘The lowering of groundwater/surface water levels or the removal of water from a substance.’
Culvert, screen and outfall manual, (CIRIA C786) published by CIRIA in 2019, defines dewatering as: ‘The process of handling and/or reducing significant flows of water (especially groundwater) into an area where construction work is being undertaken.’
Short Guide, Lime Mortars in Traditional Buildings, published on 1 March 2013 by Historic Scotland, defines dewatering as: ‘The rapid loss of water that occurs when a mortar is applied to a porous substrate on which suction has not been controlled by dampening down.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Freezing method.
- Geotechnical engineering.
- Ground conditions.
- Ground investigation.
- Groundwater control.
- Groundwater control in urban areas.
- Hydrogeological Impact Appraisal HIA.
- Passive dewatering.
- Pumps and dewatering equipment.
- Raising awareness of dewatering regulation.
- Sinkholes.
- Sludge.
- Soakaway.
- Sustainable urban drainage systems SUDS.
- Water abstraction licence.
- Water engineering.
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.