Comprehensive Lightning Protection for Water Treatment and Wastewater Facilities
Safeguarding Personnel, Critical Infrastructure, and Continuous Water Service
Lightning presents a serious and often underestimated threat to water and wastewater operations. Direct strikes, induced surges, and ground potential rise (GPR) can disable pumps, damage SCADA systems, interrupt chemical feed operations, and shut down critical control processes. A single lightning related event can disrupt water service, cause permit violations, trigger environmental releases, and create significant safety risks for personnel.
Lightning Eliminators & Consultants (LEC) designs and installs advanced lightning protection and prevention systems engineered to protect high-value water and wastewater assets – ensuring operational continuity to keep you running through the storm.
Why Lightning Protection for Water Treatment and Wastewater is Critical
Lightning-related disruptions can lead to:
- Loss of SCADA, telemetry, and remote monitoring systems, resulting in reduced operational visibility and control
- Failure of pumps, motors, and variable frequency drives (VFDs), interrupting treatment or distribution
- Electrical surges damaging PLCs, control panels, and instrumentation
- Upset biological treatment processes due to aeration or process control failure
- Inoperable lift stations leading to sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs)
- Chemical feed system disruption affecting disinfection and compliance
- Increased risk to personnel working in exposed or occupied structures
- Costly repairs, emergency callouts, regulatory fines, and reputational damage
From municipal drinking water plants to decentralized lift stations, industrial water treatment facilities, and large regional wastewater treatment facilities, lightning protection is not optional – it is a foundational component of infrastructure reliability and resilience.
Proven resiliance.
50+ years of innovation.
Risk Assessment
Identify and Quantify VulnerabilitiesEvery water treatment facility has a unique operational and threat profile. LEC conducts detailed site assessments – analyzing facility layout, SCADA and control systems, electrical distribution, grounding integrity, chemical storage and feed areas, pump and lift stations, elevated tanks, and other equipment – to determine where lightning presents the greatest risk to personnel, assets, and operational continuity.
Lightning Protection Strategy
Customized Strategies for Maximum ProtectionDesigned to perform reliably in harsh environments, including high lightning density regions and severe weather zones.
Collaborative Engineering Approach
We Work Closely with YouWe understand that every broadcasting facility’s lightning risk profile is unique, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Our consultants collaborate with you to assess your specific risks and develop a lightning defense strategy using one or more of our proven products.
Systems Most Vulnerable to Lightning Events
- SCADA control rooms
- PLC panels and motor control centers (MCCs)
- Data centers and network infrastructure
- Instrumentation and telemetry systems
- Chemical feed buildings
- UV and disinfection systems
- Raw water intake structures
- High-service pump stations
- Aeration blowers and diffusers
- Lift stations and remote pump sites
- Backup generators and UPS systems
- Elevated water storage tanks
- Clarifiers and digesters
- Sludge handling facilities
- Remote monitoring stations
- Coastal or flood-prone installations
