A: Lake water filtration is a series of suction screens either before the pump or filtration systems after the pump. This is for a system that is pumping out of a vanity lake or detention area in a neighborhood or a park for water that’s being used for irrigation.
The reason we have that is to maintain the efficiency of the screens in each of the irrigation heads. It prevents clogging while using this reclaimed water so everything runs smooth and nothing gets fouled in the system.
Lake Water Filtration For Irrigation Systems
Reclaiming water from a private lake is a great alternative to a well or using city water for irrigating municipal landscapes. However, there is a proper way to do it. First, you’ll need to have the proper pump for your irrigation system to run without issue. The easiest way to avoid mistakes is to contact us for a quote on a custom system build and installation.
Filtration is also an absolute necessity—you need to keep solids out of your irrigation lines. If solids pass through the lines, it can clog sprinkler heads bad enough to break the entire irrigation system. Filters can help get the most out of a commercial irrigation system. It extends the lifespan, reduces maintenance costs, and prevents damaged heads.
Even if small grains of sand can pass through your lines without clogging, the friction still wears it down. It should be noted as well that automatic valves have small passageways that can clog easily. That can result in a stuck valve which can negate the impact of your irrigation system.
Even though most assume sand is the main culprit of clogging an irrigation system, organic matter is just as bad. Algae can accumulate in drip tubes and throughout the entire system. Another common issue is with matter that is too small to clog—but wait. What happens is, it gets caught somewhere in the system and water passes fine, at first. Then, something larger like a piece of algae gets caught on that small matter. Then, you have restricted flow, and more and more chunks of matter build up and lock down the system.
Types Of Filters Used
There are different types of filters you can use for your lake water irrigation system. They are categorized based on the filtration method each variation uses and their application. We want to focus on screens since they are the most common.
Screen filters are the most often used filter types and usually the least expensive as well. They are particularly well suited for removing hard materials like sand. However, they don’t work too well with organic matter such as mold and algae. These non-solids seem to almost fuse with the screen material, embedding themselves making it hard to remove them. Although, sometimes, you’ll get lucky and they will just slip through the slots in the screen.
Screen filters are easy to clean with simply requiring a strong stream of water or a flush as it is called. Alternatively, you can also remove the screen and just hand wash it. Depending on the way you flush the screen you may have to clean it by hand from time to time. Sometimes trash or other particulates won’t remove with a simple flush.
Flushing Techniques
Most flushing techniques are pretty basic, the most basic of these being a flush outlet. In this method, the outlet is opened all the way and the idea is that the junk will wash down through the outlet, like a toilet. There is also an improved version of a flush outlet called a directed-flow flush. Here, the water is directed over the face of the screen in an attempt to “sweep” the debris out with it. This method is most often found in budget level filters.
However, the most effective flushing technique is the backwashing method, and filters that use this are considerably more expensive. However, their price is worth every penny due to their effectiveness in cleaning. The name comes from the direction of the flush—water is flushed backward through the screen. The way this is done is either using two parallel filters (clean water from one, flushes the other) or by vacuuming. When we say vacuum we mean that a small nozzle is dragged over the screen sucking the grime and dirt off with reversed flow water pressure.
How Much Filtration Is Needed For A Lake Water Irrigation System?
What we’re talking about is what’s the smallest sized particle you need to remove from the water using the filter? That is actually going to largely be determined by what type of irrigation system you are using.
For example, the system that is the most sensitive is a drip system—it requires a high degree of filtration. If there is not a high enough degree of filtration the emitters will clog quickly and could cause damage. It’s recommended to use the highest level of filtration that is possible with your application. Even if your system can handle a significant size of grain without clogging, it’s better to filter out that sand.
Filtration isn’t just about keeping systems from plugging, it’s also about mitigating wear and tear on your lake water irrigation system. Sand may not clog your system, but as mentioned before, the friction and abrasiveness of sand can wear it down.
Quick Basic Guidelines For Filtration
Drip System:
The manufacturer of your emitter will specify the degree of filtration needed—always go one step higher. Basically, never use anything less than 105 mesh or 160 micron and you’ll be safe.
Sprinkler System:
70 mesh filters will remove most particulates that can plug your nozzles, but better to use a 100 mesh. It will be able to remove particles that may not clog but will put wear on the system valves.
Bottom Line—Use at least 150 micron (100 mesh) screen on all irrigation systems. Small particulates of sand are the most common culprit of control valve malfunction. Sure, 100 mesh will cost more, but what you save in valve repairs will be priceless.
Who Uses Lake Water Filtration For Irrigation Systems?
Lake water irrigation systems are more common than you might think, typically municipalities are one of our biggest clients. Used in city parks that contain ponds, wetlands, or other small bodies of water, these systems help maintain a sustainable landscape. We also do have quite a few agricultural clients that use the systems on their farms. Watering holes need good filtration to keep out contaminants, and to be used to water the hay and crops.
In addition to those two markets, lake water filtration for irrigation systems can be found in:
- Amusement Parks
- Corporate HQ campuses
- Golf Courses
- Luxury Residential Developments
These systems are quite economical when you consider the money saved by reusing the resource already present on the property. The key to the longevity of these systems is proper filtration to keep maintenance costs down and lifespan up.
Do You Need Custom Filtration For Your Irrigation System?
Whether you need filtration for a city irrigation system, golf course, or private rural system, Gulf Coast has you covered. From pumps, to screen filters and everything in between—we carry what you need and can ship it fast.
Contact us today and see how we can make an impact on your project turn-around.