Reliable irrigation begins before the pipe network. The available water, the way it is stored and the pump arrangement all need to suit the site’s real operating demands.
Start with the water source
Every site is different. A borehole, mains supply, reservoir, lake, harvested water or a combination of sources each brings different constraints. The first job is to understand what is available, when it is available and what conditions apply to its use.
- What is the current or proposed water source?
- Is the supply dependable at the time the system is most needed?
- What records, permissions, water-quality information or previous assessments exist?
- Is there already storage on site, and what condition is it in?
Look at storage as part of resilience
Storage can create a useful buffer between the water source and the irrigation programme. Its role, size, arrangement and location should be considered alongside access, maintenance, safety, future expansion and how the site actually uses water.
Define the duty before selecting a pump
A pump should be selected against a defined requirement, not simply by motor size. The relevant information includes the irrigation demand, pipework arrangement, changes in level, distances, operating sequence and the level of control required. Existing electrical capacity and space for equipment matter just as much.
Bring the site information together
Useful starting material includes site plans, historic drawings, photographs of existing equipment, pump details, electrical information and any known issues. JK Irrigation can use this to decide whether the next step is a review of the present arrangement, an audit or a new project scope.