The development of water infrastructure goes back nearly over 6,000 years. The ancient Mesopotamians introduced a series of clay sewer pipes approximately in approximately 4,000 BCE at the Temple of Bel at Nippur. The purpose of this early infrastructure was to remove wastewater from sites and capture rainwater in wells. Primitive wells found in the Jezreel Valley date back over 8,500 years. The need for water has existed as long as humans have existed, so it makes sense that the development of reliable water infrastructure has been around nearly as long.
Humanity has come a long way in the development of this critical resource. Ancient clay pipes are no long used. They have been replaced by complex modern systems that can deliver clean water from hundreds of miles way. Different systems are responsible for transporting, treating, and recycling wastewater. Storm water drainage systems are an example of another key area of water infrastructure. The operation of these systems keeps cities running smoothly, and if just one small segment has a problem it can shut down water delivery to another area. That means the fabrication of durable and reliable components is critical for water infrastructure.
What Does Water Infrastructure Consist Of?
The term “water infrastructure” is related to all systems that move, store, treat, distribute, or dispose of water. These can be passive systems such as water reservoirs or active systems such as pumping stations. It is more than just pipes that move water from point A to point B. Each step from the reservoir to a faucet involves components that the average person does not think about much unless they stop working.
At IMH Products, we are a leading fabricator of many of these components. Whether it is parts for a complex drainage system, parts for pumping stations, or parts for intake systems from rivers and reservoirs, we are responsible for providing these key parts that keep water infrastructure running smoothly and efficiently. When it doesn’t work, it causes large problems such as the water crisis in Flint, Michigan that has taken several years to resolve.
The Growth of Multi-purpose Systems
Multi-purpose water infrastructure encompasses all constructed water systems, including dams, dykes, reservoirs and associated irrigation canals and water supply networks. These networks have more than a single purpose when it comes to economic, social, and environmental activities. There are over 8,000 of these such systems worldwide by design. The need for more will only grow as the earth’s population grows.
These systems also have a long asset life. Many current water infrastructure projects are designed to last 50 to 100 years if not longer. That requires the fabrication of parts and components that can stand the test of time. The fabrication plants that IMH Products operates are centrally located in the Midwest, and our capabilities are second to none. With press brakes up to 750 tons and further presses that can handle anything up to 36 inches deep and 4 inches wide , IMH has the ability to produce these necessary components. All three of our facilities are ISO 9001:2015 certified and adhere to the same quality standards.
For more information on IMH’s capabilities when it comes to water infrastructure contact our sales department at sales@imh.com.