🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <24685@well.sf.ca.us>, hank@well.sf.ca.us (Hank Roberts) writes:
> 
> One caution: be gentle. I've known (back in North Carolina where I
> grew up) of people who lost a spring by digging too much up.

Many springs occur where the ground water meets an impermeable barrier
(usually clay, where I live).  Digging through the barrier is a good way
to lose the spring.

> [spring box description]

Find out about the local health ordinances.  In some areas, spring boxes
(or any kind of surface water collection) are not permitted for human-potable
water.  An option in this case is the "side-hill" well, where one or more
horizontal holes are drilled into the hill above the spring.  Casings are
put into the holes (just like a vertical well), and I think gravity feed
brings the water to a holding tank.  The equipment for doing a side-hill
well is fairly simple and portable, so the job is usually much cheaper
than a vertical well.

If you do develop the spring in the traditional manner, it is essential that
you prevent contamination of the water by surface water.  It is common
to dig diversion trenches above the spring for this purpose.

Your library probably has several books and pamphlets on spring development.
Another thing I highly recommend is to find a local expert ("old-timer")
who is familiar with the area.  It is amazing what you can learn from
these folks!


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"...We spread out over all levels of all governments.  The threat of wars,
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