Choosing the Right Water Pump for Irrigation

A water pump moves water fast, but the wrong pump wastes fuel and water. Here is how to match a pump to your irrigation needs.

1. Know your water source

Are you pumping from a borehole, a well, a dam, a river or a storage tank? The source affects the pump type — a borehole needs a submersible or deep-well pump, while a surface pump works for shallow sources.

2. Measure the lift (head)

Head is the vertical height the pump must lift water, from the water surface to the highest point it needs to reach, plus the height the water rises at the sprinkler or outlet. Add friction losses from pipes and fittings.

3. Know the flow you need

Flow is the volume of water per hour or minute. It depends on your irrigated area and the crop. [NEEDS INFO: confirm typical flow guidance is not overstated.]

4. Match the power source

Pumps run on petrol, diesel or solar. Petrol and diesel suit flexible and high-volume work; solar pumps cut running costs where there is reliable sunlight and match well with storage tanks.

5. Check the pipe size

Undersized pipes waste energy. Match the pipe diameter to the pump’s inlet and outlet, and keep the intake as short as possible.

Get help choosing

Tell us your water source, the vertical lift and how much water you need. We will recommend a pump sized for your job.