Water & Wastewater Treatment – Reliable Power & Control for Clean Water
Water treatment and wastewater management are essential to public health, environmental protection and industrial sustainability. These systems must deliver clean, safe water around the clock, while keeping costs and energy use in check. Crossman Automation understands the unique challenges of this sector because we’ve supported municipalities, engineering firms and industrial operators across Western Canada for decades. Our Edmonton‑based team supplies and integrates high‑efficiency motors, variable‑frequency drives (VFDs) and power‑transmission components that keep pumps, blowers and mixers running smoothly, even in corrosive, moisture‑laden environments. As an OEM manufacturer and systems integrator, we provide engineered designs, manufacturing, testing, support and training—giving our customers single‑source responsibility and peace of mind.
Industry Challenges & Requirements
Water and wastewater facilities are among the most energy‑intensive industrial operations. They must balance high reliability with tight budgets and sustainability goals. Large alternating‑current (AC) motors are the backbone of these plants, powering critical equipment that maintains water quality. Yet these motors operate under harsh conditions: they face constant exposure to moisture and chemical compounds, which can degrade performance and shorten lifespan. A regular maintenance schedule and careful attention to bearings, windings and cooling systems are essential to extend motor life. In many pumping stations, vertical high‑thrust motors drive deep‑well pumps, requiring special lubrication and cooling considerations.
Beyond reliability, energy efficiency is paramount. Electric motors consume roughly 70 % of industrial electricity, and water treatment plants cannot afford waste. High‑efficiency motors reduce energy losses, enhance performance and support decarbonisation. WEG’s latest IE3, IE4, IE5 and IE6 motors achieve up to 98 % efficiency, minimising energy waste. Selecting the right motor involves understanding load profiles, operational conditions, voltage and frequency requirements, cooling needs and the need for corrosion‑resistant materials—knowledge that Crossman brings to every project.
Variable‑Frequency Drives – Control, Efficiency & Savings
A key technology transforming water and wastewater plants is the variable‑frequency drive. A VFD varies the frequency and voltage supplied to a motor, adjusting its speed and torque to match demand. Traditional pumps run at full speed regardless of system demand, wasting energy and causing unnecessary wear. By contrast, VFD‑controlled pumps reduce speed during periods of lower demand, cutting energy use by up to 50 % and lowering operational costs. They also provide precise control over flow and pressure, which reduces mechanical stress on pipes and valves and eliminates damaging water hammer during starts and stops. In water treatment plants, where flow rates vary with time of day and demand, VFDs adjust pump speed to maintain consistent pressure and flow. This flexibility improves filtration, chemical dosing and overall process control. VFDs also extend equipment life by reducing wear and tear, lowering maintenance costs and minimising downtime.
The benefits extend across water infrastructure: municipal water supplies use VFDs to regulate distribution pumps and maintain stable pressure during peak and off‑peak periods; irrigation systems optimise pump performance to deliver the right amount of water without waste; industrial processes use VFD‑controlled pumps for cooling and cleaning; and wastewater plants use VFDs to move sewage efficiently while meeting regulatory standards for effluent quality. While VFD systems cost more upfront than simple starters, their energy savings, improved control and reduced mechanical stress provide a rapid return on investment—especially in 24/7 operations like water treatment.
High‑Efficiency Motors & Durable Designs
Crossman supplies high‑efficiency motors from leading manufacturers such as WEG, U.S. Motors, Brook Crompton and Parkhaven. WEG’s IE3‑IE6 motors reduce energy consumption and operate with up to 98 % efficiency. Permanent magnet (PM) motors offer even higher power density, making them ideal for desalination and other water processes. To withstand the corrosive, high‑humidity environments found in water plants, we offer motors with cast‑iron or stainless‑steel housings, epoxy coatings and sealed bearings. For vertical pump applications, we source hollow‑shaft and solid‑shaft designs with high thrust ratings from U.S. Motors and WEG, ensuring reliable operation in deep‑well pumps and vertical turbines.
In wastewater applications, motors must resist chemical attack and moisture ingress. We specify totally enclosed fan‑cooled (TEFC) motors with high ingress protection and corrosion‑resistant materials. For hazardous locations—such as pump rooms handling flammable gases—explosion‑proof motors are available. We also offer washdown‑duty motors for equipment that undergoes frequent cleaning.
Comprehensive Power‑Transmission & Motion Control Solutions
Reliable water and wastewater plants require more than motors and drives. Crossman supplies gearboxes, couplings and brakes to transmit power smoothly and protect equipment. Our partnership with Nexen brings clutches, brakes and torque limiters with simple, corrosion‑resistant designs. Air‑engaged clutches and brakes provide faster response, higher torque and longer life than conventional electric units, while using less energy—ideal for valve actuators, mixers and rotating screens. Torque limiters disengage automatically during overloads, protecting expensive pumps, blowers and gear reducers. For precise dosing and mixing tasks, we integrate servo brakes and tooth clutches for zero‑backlash control.
Integration & Support – From Design to Operation
What sets Crossman apart is our full‑service approach. We work with engineering firms, EPC contractors and plant operators from concept to commissioning. Our team reviews performance requirements, environmental constraints and regulatory needs, then selects and sizes each component accordingly. We design and build control panels with proper cooling, sealing and corrosion protection. Our panels include soft‑starters or VFDs, motor protection, sensors and PLC interfaces. We also provide factory acceptance testing, on‑site commissioning and operator training. After startup, we offer preventive maintenance services, parts supply and remote support to ensure your systems continue to operate reliably.
Because we stock a broad inventory of motors, drives and components in Edmonton, we can deliver quickly, even for critical replacements. Our long‑standing relationships with manufacturers and our local presence mean you receive responsive support when you need it most.
Why Choose Crossman Automation?
Deep sector expertise: Decades of experience supporting water, wastewater and desalination projects across Western Canada.
Energy savings: High‑efficiency motors and VFDs reduce energy consumption by up to 50 %, lowering operating costs and carbon footprint.
Reliable performance: Motors designed for moisture and chemical exposure, corrosion‑resistant coatings, sealed bearings and explosion‑proof options.
Comprehensive solutions: Motors, drives, gearboxes, couplings, clutches, brakes and control panels—all engineered to work together.
Single‑source responsibility: We handle design, fabrication, testing, installation, commissioning and ongoing support.
Local support: Inventory and service teams in Edmonton provide quick delivery and responsive technical assistance.
Let’s Keep Your Water Flowing
If you’re planning a new water treatment facility, upgrading pumps in an existing plant or implementing energy‑saving initiatives, Crossman Automation can help. Our specialists will evaluate your process, recommend high‑efficiency motors and VFDs, and integrate them with power‑transmission and control components to deliver reliable, efficient performance. Contact us today to discuss how Crossman’s expertise can optimize your water and wastewater operations—and help you achieve sustainability, reliability and cost savings.