Emergency Irrigation Backup: How a 500,000L Water Bladder Tank Saved a Berry Farm from Irrigation Disruption
The Challenge: Securing Backup Water Supply for Critical Irrigation
When a berry farm 2 hours north of Perth faced the risk of a catastrophic pump failure at its primary dam, the need for an emergency irrigation solution became critical. The farm’s water supply was entirely dependent on the dam’s pump, meaning that any failure would leave the crops without irrigation. With the threat of losing valuable crops like strawberries, the farmer sought a contingency plan—a reliable backup water supply that could support the farm’s irrigation system for several days while the pump was being repaired or replaced.
The key challenge was clear: ensure that enough water was available onsite to keep the irrigation system running for 3 to 4 days during an unexpected pump failure.
Project Objectives: Ensuring Continuous Irrigation During Emergency Situations
The primary goal of this project was simple but crucial: to provide a cost-effective, portable water storage solution that would act as a reliable backup in case of pump failure. The farmer needed to ensure that there was enough stored water to sustain the irrigation needs of the farm during pump repairs or replacements.
More specifically, the objectives were:
- Store enough water onsite to irrigate crops for 3-4 days during a pump failure.
- Integrate seamlessly with existing irrigation systems, allowing for easy connection and quick activation.
- Offer a flexible, portable solution that could be relocated around the farm as needed, without the complexity of additional pumps or power requirements.
Solution Provided: A Cost-Effective, Portable Water Bladder Tank
To address the farmer’s needs, Get Wet Solutions (GWS) provided a 500,000L water bladder tank that was specifically designed to support the farm’s irrigation system during emergencies. The tank offered several advantages over traditional water storage systems like concrete or steel tanks.
Why a Water Bladder Tank?
The bladder tank was chosen because of its unique benefits:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Unlike large, fixed tanks, bladder tanks are significantly more affordable, making them a practical solution for farms with budgetary constraints.
- Quick Installation: The bladder tank could be installed in a single day, minimizing downtime and disruption to farm operations.
- Portability: The tank could be easily relocated around the property as needed, providing flexibility for future irrigation challenges.
- Gravity-Fed System: By placing the bladder tank at the highest point of the farm, the water could be distributed using gravity alone, eliminating the need for additional pumps or power sources.
Seamless Integration with Existing Infrastructure
One of the key features of the water bladder tank was its customized design. GWS worked with the farmer to ensure that the bladder tank included the necessary inlets and outlets to easily connect to the farm’s existing irrigation system. The installation process was straightforward, as the team simply connected the bladder tank to the irrigation pipeline and activated the system.
Installation Process: Rapid and Efficient Deployment
The installation process was designed to be as efficient as possible to meet the farmer’s urgent needs. After selecting the appropriate 500,000L bladder tank, the following steps were taken:
- Site Selection: The team advised the farmer on where to place the tank, choosing a location at the high point of the property. This ensured that gravity alone would be sufficient to feed the water into the irrigation system, eliminating the need for additional pumps.
- Pad Preparation: The farmer prepared the ground for the tank, ensuring it was level and stable. GWS provided specific guidance on pad requirements to ensure the bladder tank would remain secure and functional.
- Installation and Commissioning: Once the pad was ready, the GWS team arrived onsite, installed the bladder tank, and connected it to the existing irrigation system. The entire process was completed in just one day, allowing the farmer to quickly return to normal operations.
Results: Increased Efficiency and Continuous Irrigation
The installation of the 500,000L water bladder tank resulted in immediate operational benefits for the farm. With the backup irrigation system in place, the farm now had the security of knowing that it could continue to irrigate its crops for up to 4 days during a pump failure.
Key Outcomes
- Reliable Emergency Water Supply: The bladder tank provides 500,000 liters of stored water, enough to maintain irrigation for 3-4 days during a catastrophic pump failure.
- Gravity-Feed System: The high-positioned tank allows for gravity-fed irrigation, eliminating the need for extra pumps and power, significantly lowering ongoing operational costs.
- Portable Solution: The bladder tank’s portability means it can be moved to different locations on the farm as necessary, offering flexibility as the farm’s needs evolve.
Additional Benefits
Since the installation, the water bladder tank has been used multiple times as an emergency backup when the primary dam pump has failed. This has reduced the frequency of downtime, ensuring that the crops—particularly the delicate strawberry plants—receive uninterrupted irrigation.
Additionally, the existence of a backup solution has encouraged the farmer to regularly maintain the primary pump. This proactive approach has led to more consistent pump performance, reducing the risk of future breakdowns and ensuring more reliable water delivery.
Challenges Faced and How They Were Overcome
Although the installation went smoothly, there were a few challenges that required a rapid response. The farmer needed a quick turnaround and fast installation due to the urgency of the situation. GWS was able to address this need by:
- Fast Response Time: We mobilized quickly and completed the entire installation in one day.
- Site Preparation Guidance: GWS provided clear advice on how to prepare the site, ensuring that the installation could proceed without delays.
Conclusion: A Reliable and Cost-Effective Backup Solution
The installation of the 500,000L water bladder tank provided the farm with a reliable, cost-effective backup irrigation system that could be easily deployed in case of emergency. The tank’s gravity-fed design, portability, and rapid installation made it the perfect solution for the farm’s needs.
This case highlights the importance of having a flexible, scalable irrigation system in place—especially when dealing with critical infrastructure like water pumps. By opting for a bladder tank, the farmer ensured continuous irrigation during pump failures, reduced operational costs, and improved the overall reliability of their farm’s water supply system.