Well, Updated
We had the pump installed in the borehole February 2024. The Pump only comes with a short flying lead, so a much longer cable was wired in. Despite a few months of temperatures in the mid 40s, we never ran out of water for the irrigation tanks. The most we can get from the well in one go is about 20 minutes of pumping, which yields 200+ litres. I rigged up a simple timer to run the pump for 6 minutes every 2 hours. There are two fatal flaws with the system, the first being my memory, the second being that the pump doesn't have a level indicator, therefore, if one overrides the timer and forgets to switch it off, it will eventually burn itself out.
I suspected that this had happened around November time, but the power outlet wasn't working (a big clue!). Anyways, I had another extension lead out, so thought I'd investigate. Plugged the pump in, went to the well to listened for the pump. All quiet. Turned around and the extension lead is literally on fire, the whole 30m length!. Tentively pulled the pump plug from the extension lead and conclude that the pump must have shorted at the point when it had stopped working. So need a new pump before the spring. Looking for a system which will cut the supply to the pump, before the water level drops too far. Will also ensure that the feed has a dedicated emergency stop and RCD.
The morning after the night before
Filled up nicely, The first 5 metres was loose rock and gravel, the rest was through solid rock.
Not a lot to show
That's it, a hole with 2ft of pipe sticking out. Money well (sic) spent.
(Was 2400 lev == just over a £grand).
Caterpillar Caterpillar
Flowing in and filling up my bottomless pit (sorry to The Cure)
It's water Jim, but not as we know it
Feb 10th 2024, the pump men arrived, installed and commissioned, all very Heath Robinson at the moment, but plans are afoot!
We got about 20 minutes of output before the well was emptied. Not too bad.
We waited an hour and got another 15 minutes, about 100 litres of murky, but definitely wet water.
The hope is that by using the pump daily we'll get a steady state supply.
Obviously it's winter and occasionally wet.
The big test will be summer, when the water table has fallen. Fingers crossed.
Happy for the moment!
Get out your seat and Jump Around
What better to do on 29th February than play irrigation designer. With a well thought out plan on paper, will be able to feed the two water tanks and a number of strategic hoses around the beds.
Phase 1 complete and have delivered 600 litres to the first storage tank.
Automatic for the People
Having knocked up a square base for the top storage tank (I used the drill cuttings instead of sand and chippings with cement), gradually filling it (we get about 200 litres before the well empties, then it refills within the hour.
Solar panel and control box for the automatic Irrigation System partially installed.
Jobs for March 1st - Phase 2 of water distribution and commission the Irrigation System.