Chico Electric

Benefits of Pumping Water Efficiently

• Better control of irrigation
• Better use of water as a resource
• Reduced cost of operation
• The ability to alter days of the week for irrigation based on water level rather than the cost of pumping.

Additional Features That Can Be Provided

• Data logging for improved decision making
• Automatic control and offsite monitoring/control

As water supplies continue to tighten and the cost of pumping water becomes increasingly more expensive, the necessity for more efficient irrigation practices is a vital aspect to explore. The ability to monitor data log and control pumping automatically and remotely with respect to speed and on/off operation is therefore essential. With the introduction of speed control to the pump, a 10% reduction in water volume saves approximately 30% in energy consumption. In many cases this makes it feasible to irrigate on any day of the week without paying a penalty for peak power use. Demand charges may also be reduced by 30% for the reduced speed period depending on control of the pump and your PG&E rate schedule. The reduction in water volume can easily be made up after peak hours when rates are less expensive. Moving your irrigation day may help offset drawdown experienced on a typical Thursday through Sunday irrigation cycle. Sensors monitoring flow, well depth, and field irrigation levels allow for more sophisticated control; thereby, reducing over irrigation, evaporation and energy costs. Data logging and energy monitoring can also spot trouble with the well or pump with respect to drawdown, cavitations, and pump bowl derogation. On a final note, renewable energy can be added to the system via solar or wind to greatly reduce or eliminate power costs. Typical return on investment for a system like this can be 4 to 6 years when solar is utilized. Let us do a free system audit and recommend what is best for your specific needs.