Across Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and other growing cities in Texas, the demand for reliable water and wastewater infrastructure has never been greater. As populations expand and systems age, municipalities are turning to firms like Stiver Engineering to help design, support, and deliver the infrastructure that keeps these cities functioning—especially when it comes to pump stations and lift stations.
Pump stations and lift stations are the unsung heroes of modern infrastructure—quietly moving water, sewage, and storm runoff across complex systems that serve millions of people every day. From flood-prone neighborhoods to fast-growing suburbs, these systems play a vital role in public health, safety, and sustainability.
At Stiver Engineering, we’ve spent decades partnering with municipalities, contractors, and utilities across Texas to deliver pump and lift station projects that stand up to the region’s evolving demands. Whether it’s stormwater control, wastewater movement, or flood prevention, our team brings the technical insight and constructability mindset needed to keep these essential systems running efficiently.
Our Role in Pump Station Projects
Stiver is often brought in early to provide engineering support during planning and design—but we also play a critical role during construction. From excavation and shoring plans to structural foundation design and utility coordination, we help ensure that pump stations are safe, code-compliant, and built to last.
Some of the key ways we support pump station development include:
- Structural Design – Designing cast-in-place and precast structures to withstand hydrostatic pressure and soil conditions unique to Texas.
- Shoring & Excavation Plans – Providing stamped engineering plans for safe deep excavations in urban and flood-prone areas.
- Hydraulic & Civil Coordination – Collaborating with MEP and civil engineers to integrate site drainage, flow paths, and overflow systems.
- Emergency Bypass Solutions – Designing temporary bypass pumping systems to maintain service during rehabilitation or system upgrades.
- Construction Engineering Support – Offering real-time problem solving during active construction phases to reduce downtime and delays.
One of the advanced techniques often used on these projects is the sinking caisson method—a construction process ideal for deep foundations in areas with high water tables or unstable soil. This technique involves sinking a hollow, watertight chamber (the caisson) into the ground by excavating soil from within, allowing it to descend under its own weight or with assistance. Our team has extensive experience designing and supporting caisson installations in complex soil conditions common throughout the Houston area.
Our Role in Lift Station Projects
Lift stations are a critical component of sanitary sewer infrastructure—especially in regions like Houston and across Texas where flat terrain and high groundwater levels pose unique engineering challenges. Stiver is trusted by municipalities, contractors, and utility districts to provide specialized support from conceptual design through final inspection.
Some of the key ways we support lift station development include:
- Structural Vault Design – Engineering cast-in-place and precast wet wells and valve vaults to handle surcharge loading, float control, and maintenance access.
- Excavation & Shoring Plans – Delivering stamped excavation plans for safe and code-compliant construction in confined or high-traffic areas.
- MEP Coordination – Collaborating with electrical and mechanical engineers on pump selection, motor sizing, control panels, and odor control systems.
- Bypass Pumping Design – Designing temporary flow diversion systems to keep wastewater service uninterrupted during upgrades or maintenance.
- Access & Safety Features – Incorporating code-compliant ladders, hatches, fall protection, and ventilation to ensure safe ongoing operation and inspection.
Lift station construction can also benefit from the sinking caisson method, especially in tight urban sites where open excavation isn’t feasible. Our team’s ability to support these solutions through every project phase helps minimize disruption and improve long-term system performance.
Serving the Texas Triangle and Beyond
From coastal Houston to the capital city of Austin, the Metroplex in Dallas-Fort Worth, and the growing needs of San Antonio, Stiver’s reach spans all major regions of Texas. Our engineers are deeply familiar with the local codes, soil profiles, hydrology, and permitting requirements that shape pump and lift station work across the state.
As Texas cities continue to invest in water infrastructure, we’re proud to support projects that improve public health, prevent flooding, and protect communities—one station at a time.
To learn more about our experience with pump and lift station infrastructure, visit stiverengineering.com.
