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You can use water from a well, pond, or stream for your irrigation system the same way homes connect to city water. The first thing you need to do is determine the water pressure and flow rate.
To find a well source’s water pressure, simply place a pressure gauge on the wellhead pipe. Most sprinkler systems need between 30 and 50 pounds per square inch to operate efficiently; if you don’t have at least 30 psi, install a more powerful pump or add a booster.
To measure your well water flow rate, turn on an outdoor faucet and let the water run until the pump comes on and remains on. Put a 5-gallon bucket under the water and time how long it takes to fill. Divide the number of seconds by 60 and then by 5 to determine the gallons per minute. If it’s below 10 gpm, you may want to install a drip system instead since it uses less water.
If you have water rights to a pond or stream, have the water tested to make sure it’s safe for plants, humans, and animals. Unless the water source is uphill from your yard, install a pump to move water toward your landscape. You may also need a filter to screen out sand, algae, and other debris that can clo your irrigation system.
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