Sprinkler Systems & Wells

Scale

• The size of the sprinkler system that you can utilize with your well depends on the size of the well and the replenishment rate. Some wells take a long time to refill when pumped down while others refill very quickly. Knowing how much water you have access to helps you decide whether or not you can install a small garden irrigation system or sprinklers to care for your entire lawn, garden and more.

Backflow

• If you use the water for anything other than your sprinkler system, you need to install a backflow preventer onto the line. Otherwise, you could put potentially dirty, harmful or otherwise dangerous water back into the supply. If you use that well to supply the water to your house, you would end up being exposed to it in many ways without a backflow preventer on the line.

Pump

• The sprinkler system that you use to drive your sprinkler heads needs to generate enough pressure to drive water down the pipe lines you install under your lawn. If you are servicing a very small area, you may only need a minimal pump to accomplish this. For a larger, more extensive sprinkler system, a separate, large pressure tank helps to ensure that adequate water pressure is always available.

Regulations

• Different jurisdictions have different regulations regarding private wells used for irrigation and sprinklers as well as those used for home water supply. You should always check with your local planning office or state department in charge of the environment to find out what permits and permissions you need to install a well even if you only plan to use it to feed the sprinkler system.