The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Equipment => Topic started by: Foxx on March 23, 2011, 10:13:39 pm

Title: Water Management Systems
Post by: Foxx on March 23, 2011, 10:13:39 pm
Hi All,
New to the forum, so apologies if Im asking previously answered questions.  Im just planning to start with a couple of pigs.  They will be moved regularly over the 9acres I have, and will get closer to home as they grow.  I am wondering about the best, most cost effective water systems. There is a stream nearby, but the ground is steep on the side of a Lake District fellside, and my outbuildings with mains water are 2acres from the furthest point. 
Can anyone advise the best capture system, moveable and as maintenance free as possible !

Thanks, Foxx

 
Title: Re: Water Management Systems
Post by: ambriel on March 23, 2011, 10:30:10 pm

How about fitting a water tank to a small trailer, then attaching a hose from this to a drinking trough fitted with a ballcock?

It's on wheels so you could easily tow it away to re-fill it or move it around the paddock.
Title: Re: Water Management Systems
Post by: Fleecewife on March 23, 2011, 11:39:48 pm
We capture rainwater on tin roofs, into 1000l barrels, then let gravity take it, via blue pipe, to automatic drinkers in each paddock.  With sufficient head the water will run uphill a bit.  It doesn't work in the winter when all is frozen solid - then it's buckets from the kitchen  ::)
Title: Re: Water Management Systems
Post by: luminousbrit on March 29, 2011, 09:50:24 pm
Hi all,

I will soon be having the same problem.

I have been thinking of using a 12v water pump attached to a lesiure battery that is itself connected to a solar panel.

Does anyone know of a suitable pump that can pull water up hill through an MDPE pipe from a stream to a pig trough with a ballcock?

Thank you.
Title: Re: Water Management Systems
Post by: si-mate on March 30, 2011, 12:07:15 pm
I have a couple of IBCs either connected to a homemade self filling bowl or a nipple for the pigs. I either put them on the trailer and tow it home to fill via the tap or else I have a submersible pump that I can run off the tractor battery via a 350W inverter. I prefer the pump as it fills the IBC much faster than the tap