Though we live in an advanced era, we have to admit we have largely contributed to the global warming we’re witnesses of as of late, resulting in climate changes we shouldn’t underestimate. It takes getting in the habit of making eco-friendly decisions to be able to reduce the carbon footprint as much as we can, and help save our planet.
Great news is our nation is taking this seriously when it comes to relying on solar energy, considering we’re leading in the number of home solar panel systems per capita. So we have energy settled, but there’s another wise decision to be made when it comes to water preservation: using bore water with the help of bore water pumps.
You can even get the best of both worlds by opting for the solar bore designs, delivering up to 1250 litres per hour. When you use bore water, thanks to these pumps, you won’t have to dig up deeply, like digging up a well, to retrieve water easily.
Speaking of water being retrieved with bore water pumps, there are things you have to have in mind. As first, considering it’s the water in aquifers, it can get contaminated as it moves through, same as rivers. This is more so with water in unconfined aquifers that are found shallow in the ground, than it is with confined aquifers deeper in the ground.
Bore water from the unconfined aquifers can be used for domestic purposes that don’t involve drinking it, such as washing clothes, car, flushing the toilet, and garden irrigation (inedible plants), but even so it’s best not leaving it to chance but simply checking its safety by testing its pH; as long as it’s not less than 5pH, you have nothing to worry about. In case you are planning on using this water source for your swimming pool, it’s advisable to increase the pool chemicals.
If, however, you rely on this as a potable water source as well, you have to do more than just the pH test to check for microbiological contamination. This is something a laboratory that’s accredited by NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) can help you with, but you have to be specific on your water bore uses, as there are different guidelines and levels of checks for non-potable, and potable purposes. To avoid contamination, make sure you do maintenance and checkups of your bore, and bore pump, and of course, avoiding corrosion, and primarily ensuring the bore is placed away from wastewater systems (30 metres at least), and livestock.
In case you notice abnormal colour, odour, and pH lower than 5, it’s important to do tests immediately, and get help of the EHOs (Environmental Health Officers). Safety first!