Different Types of Pumps
Pumps do not like to pull (or suction). They are much more effective at pushing. For this reason, we have two main categories of pumps--submersible and surface (along with the numerous subcategories for each). Because the water level in wells is often greater than 15-20 vertical feet (the usual maximum distance any pump can pull or suction), the submersible pumps are used in this application--so they are submersed in the water and can push rather than pull. For applications where water is already at or near the surface, a surface pump is used to push the water somewhere else and/or pressurize a water system. Lets take a look at some of the options.
How To Purify Water On Your Off Grid Homestead
Whatever your water source, it's important to know how pure it is. And if the water quality is not acceptable, you'll need to sanitize it before using as drinking water, cooking water, etc.
In this article, we'll look at non-electric options for purifying your drinking and cooking water. Since most people's water source is a well or city water, we are assuming it is clean enough to bathe and wash dishes in without purification. In a future post, we plan to explore other household (inline) water purification options. Continue reading
Independent Water Systems
Water is so critical! You simply can't live without it. Yet the typical country homestead is totally dependent on utility companies for water. With an asset of such vital importance, it is only wise to set up your homestead in such a way that will enable you to have water no matter what happens to the power company or critical infrastructure. The following hypothetical examples are to bring to your attention options for setting up a water system that does not depend on utilities companies.
Water System Example #1 - Spring or Water Source 40 Feet or More Above House
Example :
There is a spring, creek, or any usable water source at least 40 feet in elevation above the building site (2nd story of house if plumbing is there). Yield is at least 15 gallons per hour (.25 gal/min) during the driest time of the year. Click here for more info on water usage suggestions.
Water System Example #2 - Spring or Water Source Less Than 40 Feet Above House
Example:
The water source is 5 - 40 feet in elevation above your building site and produces at least 15 gallons per hour (.25 gal./min.) during the driest time of the year.
Water System Example #3 - Using a Ramp Pump
Example:
There is a water source with at least 5 gallons per minute (could be less, depending on the situation.)of flow. But this water source is below the building site (not further than 150-200 feet of elevation—possibly even further). The water source also has at least 5 feet of vertical fall (head) on the property. If it does not have enough fall, look at Example #4. Solution #1 (below) makes use of a ram pump. There are a number of factors to take into consideration with this, so if you are in doubt about your situation, go to the Ram Pumps blog to see if your property will qualify for using the solution below.
Water System Example #4 - Using a Gasoline Powered or DC Water Pump
Example:
This situation is identical to Example #3 except the water source does not have at least 5 feet of fall. However there are two different solutions for this example.
Water System Example #5 - Dealing with Wells
Example:
The water source for the property is a well with a maximum static water level of 20 feet (Solution #1 ), 85 feet (Solution #2), 200 feet (Solutions #3 & #4), 300 feet (Solution #5), and 600 feet (Solution #6). Probably the most common water source one will encounter in the country is a well. While wells are generally the most protected type of water source from parasites, chemicals, etc, they have the disadvantage of necessitating a pump. But there are good ways to deal with this. Please be aware, though, the deeper the static water level of your well, the more expensive it will usually be to deliver pressurized water to your home.
Water System Example #6 - Cistern Is Not Above the House
Example:
This example covers what to do with any of the previous situations when it is not possible to have a cistern above your building site. This applies to all the previous examples, with the exception of wells. Refer to Water System Example #5 for that.
Water System Example #7 - Spring & Creek Combo
Example:
There is a spring present on the property that is less than 40 vertical feet above the building site, level with it, or perhaps even below it. There is also a creek with at least 5-10 (bare minimum) gallons per minute flow that falls at least 3-5 vertical feet while it is on your property. This creek is also below the building site and the spring. This one might get a little complicated so be sure to look at the sketch.