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WELL DRILLING FEATURE
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Water supplies need planning Water is a highly sought-after commodity, and rural property owners will want to do all they can to make sure they use this resource wisely. Using a consultant to draw up a complete water system for the farm is advised for new properties, and key features to consider are what pumps you will need for distribution, how
to use gravity for distribution where possible, the best pipes to use, stop-valves, storage facilities and the number and size of livestock troughs. You can not beat expert local advice, and specialists in the industry will be able to come up with innovative solutions, which meet environmental compliance regulations. The house and farm supply will ideally be on different lines, so if you have
a problem with the farm supply you can switch it off without depriving the household of water. When it comes to storage for human consumption, it is important to get the right watertank. And the general advice is bigger is better. This is particularly important as our climate becomes more unpredictable and susceptible to drought. Before buying a tank, you need to think about where it is going to go, and all tanks
need specially prepared bases to sit on. A litre of water weighs about 1kg, so 25,000 litres will weigh about 25 tonnes. The requirement for human domestic use is 180 to 200 litres per day. The other aspect to consider on-farm is sewage disposal. And when it comes to septic tanks, maintenance is crucial. “A poorly maintained septic tank will become a serious health hazard, spreading disease and contaminating
water sources,” says Consumer New Zealand. Its advice is to learn about your particular system and keep a maintenance record. “Include drawings of the system, mapping out its exact location. Your local council may be able to provide you with some of these details. “Newer systems often include a maintenance contract in their price. It is worth considering buying a maintenance contract for older systems.”
Specialists in drilling water wells in the Canterbury area since 1961
Services we provide •Free site investigation and no obligation quotes •Rotary and cable tool drilling rigs •Domestic waterwells •Lifestyle blocks •Irrigation wells •Pump design, supply and installation to suit your needs
•Pump and well repairs and service •Down hole camera and video •Electronic test pump monitoring for water consents •Carry out water tests for building consents •Member of NZ Drillers Federation
P: 03 324 3799 M: 0274 338245 E: smithwells@xtra.co.nz www.smithswelldrilling.co.nz 67 Leeston & Lake Road, Leeston 7632