One of Sweden’s first pump stations with a construction where the sump, floor, pipes, and hatches are all made of PE.
Major investments are currently underway in the VA infrastructure in Krokom, located in the heart of the Jämtland region. On behalf of Umeå Entreprenad AB, Xylem delivered a turnkey solution comprising two pump stations, one of which is entirely constructed in PE – among the first of its kind in Sweden. The project also included a concrete pump station with dual sumps and a screening unit. The pump stations have been completed and final inspection was carried out in 2025, although the facilities will not be commissioned until the coming years.
Why PE?
The main advantage of a PE construction is the simple installation and short construction time. This is due to the material’s low weight combined with high durability. Constructing concrete pump stations often requires a crane truck, whereas a PE station can easily be lifted into place using an excavator. While concrete and fiberglass are sensitive to impacts that may cause cracking, PE is robust and withstands rough handling. The sump is delivered as a complete unit, meaning it generally only needs to be lifted into position. The preformed foundation shell allows the foundation to be easily cast on site.
A long-term solution backed by more than 20 years of experience in a neighboring market
Although the station is among the first of its kind in Sweden to use a PE construction, PE pump stations have been built in Norway for more than 20 years. The concept is therefore well proven. While concrete and fiberglass stations often suffer from leakage issues, PE retains its robustness over time. PE pump stations are designed to deliver the lowest possible life-cycle cost. PE stations are frost-resistant, watertight, and durable over time, and the pipes are made of fully welded PE, making them corrosion-free. The solution is also flexible, as modifications can be made more easily than with concrete stations. The material can be cut when needed or extended through PE welding. Thanks to the long service life, the material is also reusable, allowing the sump to be relocated and reused in other pump stations.
Xylem as a turnkey partner
Thanks to Xylem’s broad expertise within the water and wastewater sector, customers can be confident that the entire process is managed professionally, while Xylem also looks beyond conventional approaches to identify the optimal solution. For the project in Krokom, Xylem leveraged proven solutions from Norway, demonstrating how its international expertise combined with strong local presence enables projects of the highest quality.