Question on Water

[BC1]

I have two wells on my property that run off electric well pumps. When power is out they run off a standby generator. In the event there's no gas or propane for generators how do I get water out of those wells? It's good, clean water. Is there any type of manual well pump? Perhaps one that can connect to a stationary bike? The wells are about 400ft deep.

 

[Purple]

For every 10' of depth, water PSI will be 4.3 PSI. So, if you can find a manual crank pump that can overcome the pressure based on height, you should be able to draw from it. Most manual well pumps are good from 200' to less. You would probably have to build or commission one that will work for your depth or try a Bing or Google search for deep well manual pumps.

 

[dcselby1]

I did some research a while back. While my own well is about 135 feet deep, the water level is MUCH nearer the surface. In fact when we put in a pool a few years ago, we hit the water table at about 9 feet.

So the water level in your well may be quite a bit higher. There ARE conversion kits for manual pumps but they're fairly expensive.

You might consider a windmill or, better yet a solar power set up which would probably be your best bet. May be expensive, though. Let us know how you make out.

 

[BC1]

Yeah, I see the pricing gets very high after 300 feet. When we drilled we hit bedrock at about 220 feet so the well casing went about 240. The wells are about 100 feet apart. One was for the house and the other for watering (or backup). But you guys made me realize that even though the wells are near 400 feet they probably have a much higher water mark. I get 11 gallons per minute so I imagine the water table is higher. If the water table is 250 or so can I use a regular hand pump or a bison pump? Ultimately I would like some contraption that could connect to my wife's spinner (exercise bike) that would generate enought electricity ro run the eletric pump already down there. I'll call my well guy and find out how far down the pump was installed. That should give me a good indication. Thanks.

 

[dcselby1]

Excellent BC1. Please let us know how it turns out. A lot of us probably could use the info!

 

[trainor]

Dunno, but I do know that high pressure hand pumps are VERY hard to use and put out very little water, and they are expensive as hell. I'd find another shtf water source, if I were you.

 

[Kenai]

What about solar to power your pump? Not sure of the draw but it may be an option. With a few panels you may be able to provide power for other things when you aren't using the well.

 

[golocx4]

What about a good old fashion wind mill.