Installing Pipelines Decisions regarding installing pipelines may be the most important decisions ranchers make in designing their water-delivery systems. Well-designed pipelines take dependable water to the livestock on pasture, making them the key point in future operation and flexibility of grazing management.
Design Considerations
There are many things to consider in selecting routes for livestock-water pipelines. Here are some of the most important considerations: • Locate water tanks on solid ground with good drainage. Some styles of tanks need to be located where it will be easy to manage tank overflow. • Select pipeline routes that minimize the number of high and low spots in the lines. High spots may require air valves, and low spots in shallow lines may require drains. • One pound of pressure equals 2.31 feet of elevation change in water. Water pressure will decrease when tanks are uphill from the sources, and booster pumps may be needed to access high hills. Getting water to tanks that are downhill from the sources may require pressure reducers or valve limiters to keep from damaging tanks, floats, pipes, etc.
• Avoid landslide areas, and avoid crossing watercourses that are eroding. Route pipelines to avoid shallow and very rocky soils if possible. • Consider future expansion to systems. If pipeline extensions are anticipated, then pipe sizes and ratings should be appropriate for the ultimate extensions. • Make sure that pump installers know where water needs to go so they recommend the right size pumps, pressure tanks and pressure switches. • Locate large stock tanks or storage tanks where heavy equipment can be used to install them.
Route Surveys
The type of survey information required for pipelines depends on the characteristics of the routes. For example, a spring development with a 300foot pipeline and a total fall of only four feet between the spring and the tanks may require a very detailed survey to ensure that the pipe grade and tank elevation will allow the system to operate properly. On the other hand, a mile-long pipeline that drops 100 feet from the source may only need a careful study of contours on a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) quadrangle map to get enough information for an adequate design.
Determine the freeze depth for your area and dig pipe trenches at least that deep to protect pipelines from freezing
Watering Systems for Serious Graziers
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