Deposito & Electrics

[Len S]

We are having installed a 3000 litre deposito in our property. As the property is left unoccupied for long periods we are concerned about the quality of water. The system is currently designed such that all water is drawn from the deposito and pressurised using a pump.

In order to increase water usage during periods when not occupied we were contemplating drawing the garden irrigation system water also from the deposito. However this would happen only during the summer.

The major problem is that our electric supply is often cut off and this also trips the RCD on the consumer board. When the supply is re established we are obviously still without power. This is only a problem when we are not living in the property. Therefore when this occurs the irrigation will not function.

We proposed to the electician that we have a non RCD protected supply for only the freezer and deposito pump. However he is very loathe to do this.

Any comments regarding water quality problems or suggestions re electrical supply would be much appreciated.

[Sandramay]

Hi Len S, we irrigate our fruit trees whilst absent. Our system works by gravity (the deposito is higher up than most of the terraces) We have a small battery powered controller/ timer to allow the water to seep twice a day, early morning and evening. We do have a pump for extra pressure when we are there. However we throw the main switch when we leave. I wouldn't want to risk leaving food in a freezer....... the campo is prone to power cuts especially in bad weather. Cheers.

[El Cid]

You could chlorinate the water before you use it, this would bring it up to the same standard as mains water or you could just drain it and refill it when you arrive.

3000 litres is not very much water so it would hardy be much of a waste, especially if you give the garden a good watering with it.

To put in context, our pool needs at least 3000 litres every week due to evaporation.

Sid