Tapping a spring (water, not mechanical)

[IthacaJeff 151]

Hi all:

I've got a spring in the far corner of my property that I'd like to use on occasion to water a small

orchard we have planned. Our water table is just 3' below the surface, and this spring, in the 

lowest part of the property, apparently drains our ground water (that's my guess). The spring

water exits the ground in the side of a roadside drainage ditch. I just did a crude measure

and it is about 1 gal per minute. There is a nice hole in the bank of the drainage ditch where

the water exits.

 

Other than stick a pipe in the hole and use a pump, is there a better way to get water? Any

way to get more than 1 gal/min? I don't have a lot of room for gravity to work (perhaps 18"

maximum fall). I could build a small catch basin to catch and store a limited amount, but

I'm sure you guys have better ideas.

 

Thoughts? Ideas?

 

Thanks, Jeff

 

 

[GlenPettit 1,717]

Since most any pump you use will exceed the 1 gallon/min, you'll some kind of a catch basin or storage unit.

There are water-power pumps, called a RAM, that can slowly lift small amounts of moving water higher, over time you'll get a lot of water.

Photo's would help.  There is probably more water in the ground, deeper, a well (or very small pond) could be dug nearby and would most likely catch more water.  Best to talk with an old farmer that lives nearby, who is familiar with the conditions there.  Good Luck.

[truckin88 104]

In PA they have spring houses on older homes instead of wells check that aetup out. Also get the water tested...you never know.

[IthacaJeff 151]

Here are some pics of the spring. The first is a close up. Next is a bit farther away. Spring in on the right. You can see the little

stream flowing from the spring to the ditch. Last is the big picture. Spring is still on the right, you can see it through an opening

through the weeds. The roadside ditch is deeper than the pics indicate.

Jeff

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 10, 2013 by IthacaJeff

[Don1977 604]

Just looking at your picture it may be piped out to the ditch. The only way to find out is to start digging. It might not be at the ditch.

[posifour11 723]

I would try a sand point on 1.5" pipe. A jet pump will pull from about 22 feet, I think.

[JimD 3,347]

With a water table so close to the surface you might want to check out a sand point well. Do a web search on them. They work well in the area a mile or so north of me. The bedrock is too close to the surface for one one my property.

 

Edit: Sorry posifour, I totally missed your post. Wasn't trying to steal your thunder. Apologies.

Edited August 11, 2013 by JimD

[6wheeler 669]

I am with posifour11 on this. That so-called spring looks like a tile line drain to me. Is there farmed fields close to that? When Farmers put in tile lines  to control the water or drainage in the fields they put in a tile line drain. All of the tiles whether it be a cross tile or grid set-up have to drain somewhere. Usually into a county ditch or an old creek bed or some sort of other water run. Are you sure you want to use it? Take a sample and have it tested at your local Extension office. If in fact, it is a tile drain, it may be very high in Nitrates. Which would be bad for your Orchard. If it were up to me? Because you stated that the water table is at 3'. I would just put in a sand point and a 1/2 horse jet pump. You will probably get all the water you need. Do not put it in the ditch. Place it somewhere on your property where you know the depth of the water table is.  BUT!!!!!! and I do mean this. If this spring is a natural watershed or DNR created? You cannot alter it. Meaning, you cannot build a holding pond or alter the flow. Unless your State DNR approves of this. Jeff, I am not trying to scare you. But, I sit on our local watershed district committee. I do not know the laws in NY. But here in Mn.? Any person and or entity knowingly altering a watershed. Being it a ditch and or water run(including, streams, rivers, sloughs and or DNR created run-offs or ponds)? Will be subject to a $10,000.00 dollar fine. Plus, be held responsible for any and all repairs to such watershed. Check it all out...... Good Luck      Pat

Edited August 11, 2013 by 6wheeler

[IthacaJeff 151]

Boy and I glad I asked!  We bought the land 4 years ago, probably the last time it was farmed was 7 years

before that. The previous owner has passed away so I cannot ask him, but given the area the land is

in, drain tile is a clear possibility. Had not though of that at all.

 

Thanks, guys. Thanks a ton.  

Jeff