How do I and what do I need to irrigate my garden from a creek?

Question

Distance will be no longer than 200 to 250 feet, with no more than a 6 to 8 feet vertical.

Answer 1

First make sure you have a right to that water. You will have to check with your state to find out about water rights.

Depending on the size of your garden and what type of irrigation you want to use will determine the size of pump you need.

I have a Gould's Irrigator pump, they are not cheap but they are good quality. Avoid the cheap plastic pumps at the home centers. Cast iron or stainless pumps are the best.

You will want to use at least SCH40 PVC or rigid steel pipe for the suction line. You will also want to put a foot valve on the pipe to prevent the water from draining back to the creek. It is hard for the pump to pull water up 8'.

Also put a strainer on the suction end to prevent debris from getting pulled into the pump. This is especially important if the creek is real sandy and you are using sprinkler heads.

In fact if you are using sprinkler heads you might want to install a filter to remove the crud that can plug them. If you are just flood irrigating you don't have to worry about dirt as much.

You should also put in a pressure switch. That way if the creek dries up or the water level drops suddenly the pump will not burn itself up.

Black polyethylene irrigation pipe will be the most cost effective way to pipe the water to the garden.

http://www.goulds.com/product.asp?ID=88&MASTERID=1

Answer 2

You can use a 115v sump pump with a hose fitting attached to the outlet side & enough hose to reach your garden. It would be a good idea to place a screen over the bottom(inlet) of the pump. This would keep the pump impeller from plugging up with mud, leaves, & other debris that may be in the creek. Also, it is very important to keep the electrical connection (where you plug the pump in) out of the water.

Answer 3

here's what I did in the same situation...but some people thought I lost my mind. I ran a long extention cord from my garage to the creek and put in a submersable sump pump. (25 bucks) from there I ran a hose to the garden then attached that hose to another smaller hose and punched a zillion holes in it and snaked it between every row of plants in the garden. Later I bought a cheap timer so that the pump runs when i want it to. Sweet!

Answer 4

Set a pump on a flat slab of concrete and run a hose to the area you wish to irrigate. You will of course need to run electricity to the pump. We do this at the lake to water our lawn.

Answer 5

It really depends on where you live. Start by calling your county. they might give you a number to a state agency or be able to help you out themselves. Some places dont allow that, someplaces require that it is strickly monitored by a government agency. It may be easier to get a well put in if the creek is so close to you.

Answer 6

Your avatar shows a cop.

If you are one, I hope you realize that to divert water from a source like that, you need a permit. You apply for one through your state's environmental protection agency. Be prepared to prove that your output is necessary, won't harm the environment and can be limited to the number of galons they would authorize you to pump out

Wouldn't trade places with you if they find you diverting water without permission...

Answer 7

First check with local authorities as to whether you can legally remove water from the creek; removing water will degrade fish habitat and may create problems for those downstream from you.

You may have to consider sinking a well and watering with that water.

Answer 8

You need a water pump, hoses and sprinkler heads.

Answer 9

try a jet pump and pipe maybe a timer