As we all know by now, an off-grid water system is a means of producing fresh water supply and wastewater disposal systems that does not make use of or depend on the electrical grid or municipal water supply. The simplest system would be a method of rainwater harvesting combined with a gravity-fed water system, which can be purchased from USA Berkey Filters.
The first thing needed for an off-grid water system is water. There are many sources of water in the wilderness contrary to popular beliefs. Some of the sources to find dependable water for off-grid water systems will be discussed in this article.
Well water
Wells have been around since the early times of human civilization. If your settlement has an inbuilt well, you can draw water into your holding or supply water tanks using a submersible sump pump. In the case that your settlement does not have one, you can dig a well. The digging of a new well can be expensive. The depth of the groundwater will determine the depth of the well. The deeper you dig a well the more expensive it will be. According to research the average depth of wells in the United States is around 150 feet. It can however vary between 100 feet and 1000 feet depending on the area. You might also need a permit to dig a well according to the local regulations of the place. It is not recommended to dig a well by yourself. Digging a well involves professional skills, however once done in the right way, it can be a source of off-grid water for years. The cost of maintaining a well is also low. The quality of the water can also vary, and you might need to treat it for toxins and contaminants.
Surface water
Water bodies like lakes or a pond are examples of water bodies. These water bodies around your dwelling can be a great source of dependable water when going off-grid. The water can last all year round. All you have to do is to use a jet pump and build a pipeline between your source and your storage tank. This method is less expensive; however, it is illegal in most areas. You might need a permit from the local authorities. Surface water needs to be purified before consumption.
Creeks or streams
An excellent source of water is a creek that flows throughout the year. It is safer than surface water because the water from the creek runs continuously throughout the year. Additionally, the creek water can be used to build a DIY system for generating hydropower for your property. The submersible pump is needed for collecting creek water. The pump can also be combined with a filtration system.
Spring Water
Using spring water is also another option if you are not interested in the creek or stream water option. Harvesting spring water requires a lot of effort despite the fact that it flows freely. The location of the spring might not be of comfortable reach, the water might also be contaminated from other sources.
Rainwater
The collection of Rainwater is another great source of water for your off-grid property. Developing a rainwater collection or catchment system is a simple task and not expensive. Rainwater is limited and inconsistent so it cannot be the primary source of water. It can however be used as a supplemental option. It is one of the cleanest natural water sources, free from chemicals. Food grade plastic barrels or tanks are the best way to collect and preserve rainwater. They can be positioned at the end of collection pipes.
Buying Water
Buying water may seem counter active but it is one of the easiest ways to get water off-grid. You can just buy water according to your requirements and take it to your dwelling. However, it requires frequent trips to town and buying water in bulk is not possible everywhere. There are ranch water fill stations that can be of help if your off-grid water system gets damaged and you need water urgently. Carrying water can be too strenuous on your truck or vehicle and it burns a lot of fuel.
There are other options of dependable water sources that you can explore individually for your off grid living situation. However, make your research, purify and get the necessary permits and professional help where needed.