10
Module 2 — Planning Your Water System
Steps to Planning Your Water System
In order to plan your water system you need to:
Determine water requirements
Complete an inventory of water sources.
Determine Water Requirements
The first step to planning is to determine your water requirements. Look beyond your
current requirements and consider any changes you may be making in the next few years.
For example, is another family moving to the farm? Are you considering diversifying to
include a market garden? Use the worksheets "Daily and Annual Water Requirements" and
"
Sizing of Water Systems" included in the pocket on the back cover to calculate your daily,
annual and peak use requirements. Sample copies are at the back of the module.
Complete an Inventory of Water Sources
The next step to planning is to complete an inventory of all existing well and surface
water sources. Record production rates, storage volumes and any previous problems with
water quantity or quality for each water source. Completing an inventory will show if
there is adequate water supply to meet your needs year round. Use the worksheet, "Farm
Water Supply Inventory," included in the back cover pocket to list all the water sources
available to you.
A well-planned water system should also have a backup or second water source in case of
pump or water source failure. Water sources that can easily be connected using underground
piping provide the flexibility required in emergencies.
If you have some doubt about the adequacy of your existing water sources, take time to
check all the options before choosing to drill a new well. There may be ways of increasing
well yields or water storage to meet your needs. In some situations a well can comfortably
keep up to daily requirements but not peak demands. The addition of a cistern with one-half
to one day storage may be all that is required.
Worksheet
Complete "Average Daily and Annual
Water Requirements" worksheet and
"
Sizing of Water Systems" worksheet.
Samples of these worksheets are found at
the end of this module. Working copies are
found in the back cover pocket. Store these
completed worksheets in the back pocket.
Worksheet
Complete "Farm Water Supply Inventory"
worksheet. A sample copy is found at the
end of this module. Working copies are
found in the back cover pocket. Store this
completed worksheet in the back pocket
for easy reference.
Contact Alberta Environment and
Sustainable Resource Development’s
Groundwater Information Centre at
780-427-2770
for water well drilling reports.
In some counties, you may also have access
to groundwater maps and reports. Contact
your local county or MD office, or the Alberta
Government Library. See Module 12
"
Other Resources".