Suggestions - borehole in sandstone?

[Cato]

Is it possible to just divert the run off into the well? If it's 'topping up' the water table it shouldn't make any difference to the end result beyond you having more in the well at the start of Summer as it will filter away. It sounds like it would be easier to organise an overflow than divert part of the flow.

 

[Gareth J]

Don't pump surface water into the well.

In the UK removal of water from a water course needs an abstraction licence. But presuming that's no issue for you, dig a hole next to the stream and sink some concr6well rings in. Run a pipe and swa cable in a trench for a bore hole/well pump. Control pump via a float switch next to it and a pressure switch on an accumulator nearer your electricity supply.

If you want an "always available" option for the irrigation, you can fit a storage tank for the irrigation water that's filled as full as possible by the stream pump, then, if the level drops below 1/2 or thereabouts, the well water keeps some water in the tank. Controlled by float switches in the irrigation tank.

None of this is a cheap and cheerful solution but it keeps the well and drainage water separate and minimises aquifer usage.

 

[gaz1]

ive got to ask what is also in the area as id consider a sandbag collection of the water itself

14000 gallon tank

 

[addjunkie]

If you already have a borehole, why don't you stick a windmill on top of it? It's one area where wind power really excels. You might be able to find an old one off an abandoned farm or a cheap second hand one.

Solar being in europe might be a cheapish option.

 

[julianthegypsy]

Solar being in europe might be a cheapish option.

Yep, with a submersible pump, shouldn't be too speedy, and it doesn't have to work at night anyway. Every day, sun comes up, pump starts pumping. Depending on amount of water needed, even hooking a battery up to keep it running overnight might be feasible.

 

[gaz1]

you dont contaminate the aquafer ( water table ) its not worth the cost of it

however you can use the french drain system to refill via 2 systems one a collection system as above then core drilled into the ground the storage of the water will catch the crap drained through pebbles before it hots the core hole

 

[angellonewolf]

I’m looking at ideas as we have a fresh water well in the garden (Portugal) and the water level is near critical.

We also have a small stream a few yards away. The stream is dry for most of the year but takes surface water runoff from winter rains to the local river.

It would be ideal if I can use the runoff water to fill the well.

Thoughts are :
How to drill through sandstone from the stream to the well (and install plastic dainpipe liner).

Alternatively, dig a “sump” in the stream and fit a 240v submersible pump.
Not ideal as it will need and electric supply + running costs)

Suggestions welcome, I guess the main question is “can I drill a 15ft long, horizontal hole through sandstone? How?"

Random web photo (not the actual place) to give an idea.
View attachment 525288

has this has work all around the site all looks like it been landscaped and that has changed the water table ?