Having a private source of water for agricultural use is a cost-effective and efficient option to relying on public water supplies. By drilling a bore, you are assured of constant water supply for your household and agricultural needs. Once you drill a bore, you may opt to use irrigation systems for your farms. One of the important considerations is selecting a pump that will efficiently pump water to the required locations. When shopping for a bore pump, you should have the following in mind.

Types of bore pumps 

There are various types of bore pumps on the market today. Depending on your irrigation and domestic needs, you can choose from the following types:

  • Surface centrifugal pumps—Surface centrifugal pumps are easy to install as they are located on the surface. One of their main advantages is that they pump water at a constant rate. To get the best value out of this pump, you should install it near your bore well. Also, it must be filled with water before use. If you are looking for a cheap pump that will function effectively, a surface centrifugal pump is ideal for you.
  • Submersible pumps—Submersible pumps are installed underwater. There are two types of submersible pumps: those that allow water into the motor and those that operate with a dry motor. Both types come with enclosed impellers for increased efficiency. If you are using your sprinklers at a location far from the bore, these pumps are ideal for ensuring a constant flow of water into the sprinkler system.
  • Jet pumps—Jet pumps feature a surface motor and a submersible pump. They are ideal for use in areas where the water level in the bore keeps on fluctuating. They can use suction to bring the water up even when the level is low. For maximum efficiency, the impellers should be regularly adjusted depending on the water level. For high capacity performance even with low levels of bore water, a jet pump is your best bet.

Pump performance and capacity

The capacity of a pump is determined by its flow rate and pressure. A pump with a higher flow rate discharges water at low pressure and vice versa. Depending on the distance from the well to your sprinklers, you may need a pump with a high or low pressure rate. Try to find a pump that balances flow and pressure for maximum performance.

When buying a bore pump for irrigation purposes, go for a pump with a lower flow rate compared to that of your bore to protect it from drying up. You can also get flow restrictors which restrict the amount of water that the pump is allowed to pump at each given time.

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