Sumpmarks

Sumpmarks are a graphical notation used in civil engineering, mining, and related disciplines to denote the location of sumps—depressions or pits designed to collect liquids, groundwater, or drainage water. The term is formed from sump, a receptacle for liquids, and mark, the symbol placed on drawings. Sumpmarks appear in older construction manuals and in field notebooks where digital mapping is not available; usage continues in some regional practice and in teaching examples.

Design and appearance: A sumpmark is typically a simple geometric symbol, such as a circle with a central dot, a square with a dot, or a labeled tag. Colors used vary, but blue and black are common; in more detailed drawings, sumpmarks are accompanied by numerical data such as invert level, capacity, or pump plant reference. Some conventions distinguish active sumps (with pumping equipment) from inactive or decommissioned ones by adding a secondary symbol or color.

Applications: Sumpmarks help engineers and construction crews locate sumps on site plans, drainage layouts, and mine or tunnel cross-sections. They aid in planning pumping operations, maintenance, and flood control, and are often referenced in risk assessments and feasibility studies.

Variations and standards: There is no universal global standard for sumpmarks. Practices differ by country, company, or project. In modern practice, sump information is frequently stored in GIS databases, but the symbol may persist in legacy drawings or field layouts.

See also: Pictograms, drainage symbol, mine plan notation.