WATER 3

The SLOW PUMP performed well, but it was, well, slow!
Even with an upgrade of the linear current booster, when conditions were less than ideal, the volume was decreased dramatically. Over time there was a higher volume of water delivered, but the filter  was easily clogged  with silt and needed   a lot of attention.
 
We began using more water as our garden expanded, and we now had a couple of sinks and a shower. The beauty of the solar direct system is that demand and availability coincide during the long dry days of summer, but, this pump was efficient enough to outpace the gravity flow into the spring tank during the shorter, days of late summer, when the spring flow was at it’s nadir. 
 
A 2,500 gallon Poly tank was acquired for the house & garden, and the olive tank we had been using up the hill was was relocated to the spring collection site, doubling the available water for the pump.

This system got us through the next couple of years, with a 2,500 gallon tank for the house, and another 2,500 gallons added for the garden, at a slightly lower elevation, for faster filling, we were doing well. That is of course when all went well, with interruptions of pumping from silt & air locks, and low flows, we were just keeping up with demand and ending the season with little reserve,  and feeling a little vulnerable.

One positive aspect of a direct solar system is that pumping is confined to day light hours  and  subject to tapering volume as day lengths change, so over pumping of the available source is pretty unlikely.

We successfully worked within our hydro budget,  but our tanks were less than full when a little cushion would be nice to have. It was time for the final upgrade. Research revealed the pump we  wanted. Together with the needed photovoltaic panel upgrades it seemed an extravagant expense to our shallow capital pool. But, an unexpected gift earmarked for important and durable acquisitions  made it feasible,  and the Frances Golden ( my paternal Grandmother) Memorial water system was built. Adding to the fund, the perfectly serviceable old pump was sold with its pump house, fittings and filter for a good price .

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