Ground Water Usage

[UnionMA]

Hi Folks,
I am completely ignornat when it comes to subject matter like this.

I looking for suggestions for a ground water problem. Here it is.

I have a professionally installed drainage system on the inside perimeter of by foundation. I no longer have a wet basement, but I would love to explore ways to use the output of this pump, which is significant for gardening.

Do I need to perform basic tests on the water before persuing this idea further?

Any thoughts on a distribution system and potentially short term storage?

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated

 

[yogibear1]

An excelent idea especially if you are in a drought or water shortage area. Unless you suspect contaminants in this water (does it smell or have some visible problems, or is the area known for water problems) it should be fine for garden plants. You can store it in plastic barrels for subsequent watering can use; several green sites and some municipal agencies which promote water conservation have tips on this kind of idea (my employer does). An alternate method would be drip emitters - you would have to check your pump and the emitter system for pressure compatability. Whatever you do, do not make any cross connection to your potable water system.
Generally, sump pumps are not made for high head, just enough to get the water out of the basement, so you may not have too many options on distribution. You could be really elementary and just let the discharge hose run out on the lawn or garden and move it to a new location at intervals. No doubt you 've watched the History Channel and seen how the ancients had irrigation furrows in their fields; you can do the same with your garden.

 

[francesca]

You could have it outlet into a slightly raised storage tank with a faucet at the bottom and an overflow at the top. You can close the faucet when you don't want to water your yard. The water will have enough pressure for watering with a hose or you could fill a watering can.

You could also hook up a roof drain down spout to your tank. This is how a friend of mine gets all their water for their farm house that they visit one weekend a month. The tank is mounted about 5' above the ground, with the roof drain as the only inlet and the outlet leads directly into the kitchen.

I found this picture on Google:

 

[ch81pc]

It might be worth doing checking the pH of the water first. You should be able to buy a basic kit from a garden/pool equpitment supplier. Ideally your water should be in the 6.8 to 8.4 range. Any less and it might limit what you can plant (azaleas and rhododendrons love slightly acid water) or at an extreme kill your plants. Any greater than 8.4 and you risk cutting down on some of the available nutrients that your plants will be able to absorb.
Otherwise plants love un chlorinated water so you should see a big difference. Happy growing!