Surface irrigation and pump-out tanks
Low cost wastewater treatment for the world
Use the system design page for guidance on design.
The construction pages:
settling tanks; and
treated effluent distribution to surface irrigation using a pump.
Use the system design page to guide how your system should be constructed. This page is dedicated to domestic systems that utilise a twin vermidigester for primary treatment, a recirculating secondary treatment vermifilter, an optional recirculating tertiary treatment vermifilter and pumped surface irrigation distribution.
Pump-out tank and surface irrigation
Although in some circumstances a bell siphon could provide sufficient water pressure to irrigate drip lines, this section will focus on solar systems incorporating water pumps, solar panels and batteries, to provide a more versatile system that irrigates uphill or downhill of the treatment plant.
A solar pump-out tank requires a DC pump, a battery, a solar panel and a controller to switch the pump on and off:
1. Solar panel
A nominal 12 volt 40 watt panel is sufficient for most domestic pump-out tanks
Cost: Approx. US $70
2. Battery
Recommended: 12.8V 14Ah Lifepo4 battery with overvoltage and undervoltage protection
The Small Den battery available on Ali Express has:
Output voltage range: 10V-14.6V
Discharge cut-off voltage (V): 10 +/- 1V
Charge cut-off voltage (V): 14.6V
30A BMS, 4S2P (8x 32700 cells)
Cost: Approx. US $70
3. Controller
XH-M203/HCW-M203 Water Level Controller Pump Switch Module
A single water level controller is required, with a relay output capacity of 10 amps
Cost: Approx US $5
2x Water Level Sensor Right Angle Float Switches
Two switches are required, an upper water level switch and an under water level switch
Cost: US $5
4. Pump
The pump should not draw more than 10 amps (the capacity of the controller relay) and should exceed the head required for the irrigation lines.
Recommended: Seaflo 01 series 1100GPH Bilge pump
SFBP1-G1100-01
Flow rate 1130 GPH, Voltage 12v, Max draw 6.0 A , Head 4.5m, Outlet diameter 1-1/8"
Cost: Approx. US $25
5. Assemble the components
*Under construction*