Owning a lakeside home offers the unique opportunity to harness the lake as a water source. However, setting up a lake water system requires meticulous attention to several crucial factors:
Source Location:
● Strategically position the intake to access high-quality water while minimizing exposure to recreational activities.
● Consider factors such as boat traffic, sediment suspension, and bottom conditions to ensure optimal water quality.
Pump Selection:
● Prioritize safety, ease of maintenance, and cost-effectiveness when choosing a water pump to ensure a reliable water supply.
● Evaluate factors like noise level, pressure requirements, and ease of servicing when deciding between submersible and above-water pumps.
Treatment Equipment:
● Install a UV device to eliminate illness-causing microorganisms, ensuring clear water with minimal contaminants for optimal treatment.
● Depending on water source conditions, additional components like whole-house backwashing filters or cartridge filters may be necessary.
Distribution:
● Plan for year-round weather conditions, including protection against freezing water lines during extreme cold and damage during lake ice formation.
● Design the water supply as a comprehensive system, incorporating valves for irrigation water bypass and drainage for seasonal shutdowns.
By addressing these key components thoughtfully, homeowners can establish a robust lake water system that provides consistent access to clean, potable water.
Conclusion:
Developing a lake water system requires a comprehensive approach, from meticulously selecting the water source to implementing effective treatment and distribution strategies. By considering source location, pump selection, component options, and seasonal maintenance, homeowners can ensure a reliable supply of clean, potable water. With careful planning and adherence to best practices outlined in specialized articles, lake water systems can offer sustainable solutions for households seeking quality water sources.
Action Item:
Outline your project:
- Where can you put water intake?
- Prioritize these characteristics; consistent water pressure? Pump Noise? Serviceability? Swimming safety near water intake?
- Do you want your water to be just safe or do you want bottle quality clear water throughout the house?
- Will you use the system year round? Do you have an irrigation system? Will you shut down the house completely in the winter?
Supporting Materials:
Hartmann, David “Selecting Your Water Intake Position” Lake George Water Systems March 2024: Web
Hartmann, David “Choosing the Right Pump for Your Surface Water Supply” Lake George Water Systems March 2024: Web
Hartmann, David “Optimizing Lake Water” Lake George Water Systems April 2024: Web