Annapolis, Maryland – Flood Mitigation System
Romtec Utilities provided a stormwater pumping station for a flood mitigation system in Annapolis, Maryland, at the United States Naval Academy. The project protects campus roads, waterfront infrastructure, and nearby facilities from stormwater, heavy rainfall, and high-water levels. This modern flood mitigation system moves stormwater away from low-lying areas where flooding has been a concern.
The project team also upgraded the waterfront road, improved the retaining wall, and made major changes to the storm sewer system. Romtec Utilities provided a stormwater pump station that supports flood control, improves stormwater management, and helps reduce flooding during severe weather.
Flood Protection System for a Waterfront Campus
The United States Naval Academy is located in Anne Arundel County at the mouth of the Severn River along the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis, the capital of Maryland, sits 32 miles south of Baltimore and 33 miles east of Washington, D.C. As one of the oldest cities in the country, Annapolis is widely known as the “Sailing Capital of the World.” However, its coastal location also makes it highly susceptible to flooding. Frequent high tides and heavy rainfall often cause significant flooding, disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and affect daily life throughout the area.
The project improved a critical waterfront roadway and surrounding drainage infrastructure. The storm sewer upgrades and stormwater pumping station move water more efficiently, reduce flood risks in low-lying areas, and protect nearby roads and structures from long-term damage.
Stormwater Management for Campus Operations
The United States Naval Academy is a historic and active campus that depends on reliable infrastructure to support daily operations. Effective stormwater management helps maintain campus reliability.
As part of this project, the project team upgraded the existing storm sewer system to work with the new stormwater pump station. These improvements collect stormwater and move it away from vulnerable areas more efficiently.
The upgraded system provides an additional layer of protection during extreme weather by keeping stormwater moving when natural drainage pathways become overwhelmed. This proactive approach helps minimize disruptions and preserve critical infrastructure assets.
The updated system supports long‑term campus needs while helping reduce flood risk near the waterfront.
Stormwater Pump Station Design for Flood Mitigation
The project included a stormwater lift station that works with the upgraded storm sewer network to support flood mitigation and stormwater control. Stormwater flows through underground pipes into the lift station, where pumps activate when water levels rise. This process moves stormwater away from low areas when gravity drainage is limited.
Key system features:
- Duplex configuration with two 15-horsepower Keen submersible pumps
- MS1 Nolta Floats used for primary level sensing in the wet well
- Controls housed in a NEMA 4X stainless steel enclosure
- System capacity of up to 2,000 gallons per minute at 16.9 feet of total dynamic head
The lift station fits near the waterfront road and retaining wall. Most of the structure sits underground, which protects equipment and keeps the surrounding area clear. Romtec Utilities selected system components to support dependable operation in wet, coastal conditions. This design helps ensure long-term reliability, reduce maintenance needs, and preserve valuable campus space.
Flood Mitigation Challenge at the United States Naval Academy
Flooding had been an ongoing concern near the waterfront at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Heavy rainfall, high tides, and elevated water levels made natural stormwater drainage difficult. These conditions increased the risk of standing water, roadway damage, and long-term wear on nearby infrastructure.
The project team needed a solution that could:
- Reduce flooding during storms
- Operate when outside water levels are high
- Fit within a limited waterfront area
- Support improvements to the road and retaining wall
Balancing these requirements while maintaining campus operations and protecting surrounding infrastructure presented a complex engineering challenge.
Addressing these challenges required a coordinated approach that combined storm sewer upgrades with a dependable pumping solution.
Custom Stormwater Pumping Solution for Flood Prevention
The project team installed a flood mitigation system that combined improved storm sewer infrastructure with a stormwater lift station. This flood prevention approach actively moves stormwater away from low areas instead of relying only on gravity. By using pumps, the system continues operating even when water levels outside the discharge point rise.
Romtec Utilities supported the solution with a fully engineered stormwater pump station system designed for reliable flood control in demanding waterfront conditions. The system operates automatically, responds to rising water levels, and helps prevent flooding before it impacts roads and facilities.
This integrated approach improves drainage performance, supports roadway protection, and helps extend the life of surrounding infrastructure.
Project Partners for the Annapolis Flood Mitigation System
United States Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) initially reached out to Romtec Utilities for stormwater pumping station design support. After minor revisions, NAVFAC approved the system, and Kokosing Construction partnered with Romtec Utilities to deliver the project. Romtec Utilities provided the stormwater pumping station and design support.
Reliable Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Pump Station Performance
This flood mitigation system represents a major stormwater management improvement for the United States Naval Academy. By combining storm sewer upgrades with a reliable stormwater pumping solution, the campus can better manage stormwater during heavy rain, high tides, and high-water conditions.
Romtec Utilities provided a fully engineered stormwater pumping station that performs in a demanding waterfront environment. The system improves drainage, protects critical roadways, and strengthens long-term flood resilience across the site.
This project showcases Romtec Utilities’ ability to deliver dependable, purpose-built stormwater pumping solutions that support effective flood mitigation for critical facilities in coastal and waterfront locations.

