Hello,
I want to dig / install a shallow well to feed my cistern (which in-turn feeds my irrigation system). I have water just under my basement. (house was on a slab, we've installed a basement albeit a bit shallow (7.5 - 8 ft ft, but 1' of that is because we raised the land and a another 1.5' is above ground) and a lot of means to control the water which has been effective now for going on 2.5-years (including back-up generator).
Is it plausible (or dare I say 'advisable') to dig one of my sump basins a bit deeper (say 3', 4', or 5' deep and 10-11" diameter) and use a sump pump to fill the tank when it is called for?
Or might it be better to drive a well-point 8-10' or whatever may be required?
I like the sump pump approach because it puts everything below the ground fairly easily (assuming I can dig the hole deep enough to get a reliable flow of water, at a reasonable volume).
Some points:
Would love thoughts of folks on this forum before I go and do something less than wise . . .
Many thanks.
I want to dig / install a shallow well to feed my cistern (which in-turn feeds my irrigation system). I have water just under my basement. (house was on a slab, we've installed a basement albeit a bit shallow (7.5 - 8 ft ft, but 1' of that is because we raised the land and a another 1.5' is above ground) and a lot of means to control the water which has been effective now for going on 2.5-years (including back-up generator).
Is it plausible (or dare I say 'advisable') to dig one of my sump basins a bit deeper (say 3', 4', or 5' deep and 10-11" diameter) and use a sump pump to fill the tank when it is called for?
Or might it be better to drive a well-point 8-10' or whatever may be required?
I like the sump pump approach because it puts everything below the ground fairly easily (assuming I can dig the hole deep enough to get a reliable flow of water, at a reasonable volume).
Some points:
- Cistern can easily support irrigation cycle, so there is no need for the tank to rapidly fill, just to get filled reliably, and efficiently before the next cycle (normally 3x per week, but let's say w/in 24 hours). Water pressure is also of marginal concern (beyond enough pressure to bring the water up the riser which would be 15' or less - maybe much less).
- Cistern is already connected to my sump system (as well as downspouts) - and sends water elsewhere if it get overfilled.
- I've already put in-place a means for the cistern to 'call' for water (float valve in cistern activates an electric line currently in my basement).
- Current sump basin is 18" diameter
- No septic system for my home or in my neighborhood (we're all on city water and septic)
Would love thoughts of folks on this forum before I go and do something less than wise . . .
Many thanks.