Alternatives typically available to landowners for water supply include the following:
Springs
While springs typically represent a source of high water quality and often sufficient supply for a residence or a remote commercial lodge, removal of this water deprives the environment of stream flow during the summer months, when there are no rains to engender run off and corresponding stream flow. Springs derive their water from ground water, which commonly contains a relatively high dissolved mineral content. Correspondingly, water softening treatment of spring water is sometimes necessary for optimal domestic consumption; however, spring water rarely requires either disinfection or particulate filtration.
Surface Water
Perennial streams (ones that carry water year round) represent sources of often abundant water but that require water treatment for removal of sediment as well as disinfection to neutralize pathogens almost universally present in stream water. Osa Water Works has developed a proprietary intake filtration design for surface water systems that is completely maintenance free, which excludes over 99% of suspended sediment even during storm runoff when surface water runs turbid, and has a lifetime guarantee. Our infiltration galleries come in sizes capable of delivering as little as 5 gallons per minute for very small streams to upwards of 5,000 gpm for modestly sized streams for hydroelectric power purposes.
Ground Water
Wells represent an often ideal source of domestic water supply that can provide the yields necessary for potable water demand and which are commonly free of contaminants and don't require water treatment. Well development is often complicated in remote building sites, however, by difficulties in access for well-drilling equipment and by often high associated costs. Subterranean water flow and water quality are strongly dependent upon geology, and well water is not a universal solution to water supply. Any decision to sink a well should be preceded by a detailed hydro geological assessment of the area. While wells often produce water that requires no treatment for bacteria, mineral content is commonly high, and water softening treatment may be required to remove calcium and magnesium hardness. Iron and manganese are nuisance contaminants common to well water systems that may also need to be removed through water treatment. Whereas spring and surface water intakes may be able to provide gravity pressure for end use, wells always require system pressurization, either through water towers, or using a pressure tank.
Municipal Water Supply
Pre-existing municipal water supply is often the easiest alternative for building sites where this is available. Often this involves capitalizing the pipeline necessary to connect to a trunk line. Activated carbon filtration may be desirable to remove residual chlorine used to disinfect municipal water supply. Often, especially in underdeveloped region, excess chlorine is employed to ensure disinfection, and chlorine and a series of chlorine metabolites are known carcinogens.
Rainfall Capture
For areas that experience significant annual rain, rainfall capture systems are often the most environmentally friendly solutions to remote water supply. These systems include a roof that channels rainfall runoff and a storage tank with sufficient capacity to sustain adequate water supply during the driest period of the year. The adequate design of such a system requires detailed information about annual precipitation patterns and the demand expected from the structure. A filtration and disinfection system is always needed for rainfall capture systems to ensure that water remains contaminant free, and pressurization is required through either a water tower or pressure tank.
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