Water pump kits are simple 12v pumping systems based upon proven water-pumping technology which allows the large transference of large volumes of water. The trough is fitted with a float switch which turns on the submersible pump as the water level drops. There is no need for balancing tanks or header tanks, just a standard water trough. The pump is connected to 30m of hose which feeds back from the designated water source to the trough. This kit is powered by a 12v battery (not included) which sits in a weatherproof control box.

Water pump kits easily integrate with all standard water troughs so there is no need to train animals as with traditional pasture pumps which are also limited in the number of animals they can supply. Altough the kit is marginally more expensive than a pasture pump, it is far more flexible in application and compared with the cost of mains water, they are very economical.

Battery pump kit

Kit includes:

• Control box and battery compartment: Weatherproof polypropylene, battery life monitor, holds up to 12v 85amp/hr batteries
• 30m hose: 30m 1/2″ diameter reinforced hose
• Submersible pump: With 30m cable

Other information: There is an increasing requirement for land owners and managers to keep livestock away from watercourses. The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been establishing a framework for the protection of inland waters, transitional waters (estuaries), coastal waters and groundwater. This is covered by the UK by the Water Environment Regulations of 2003 for England and Wales; the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 and The Water Environment Regulations 2003 for Northern Ireland.

Diffuse water pollution for agriculture amounts for 61% of nitrogen entering rivers, up to 40% of phosphorus and 75% of sediment. Fencing off watercourses protects from river bank erosion and relieves poaching so contributes greatly to cleaner water and promotes growth of healthy native flora and fauna. We can all agree that this is great for our environment, but for land owners who rely on watercourses to water their livestock, it can be very problematic. Our battery and solar water pumps have been designed in response to this problem.

We have been working with livestock farmers, Natural England and the Catchment Sensitive Farming Initiative (CSF) to provide an easy, reliable and self sufficient way of providing water to livestock when watercourses are fenced off. We have been manufacturing electric energisers for over 40 years and so we are accustomed to making and supplying products which need to operate out in the elements, in remote areas and from independent power sources. Like energisers, the system needed to be reliable, easily transportable and capable of catering for large numbers of different types of animals.

Water requirements vary greatly for livestock and are influenced by temperature, humidity and feed source. Always make allowances for this. The majority of grazing animals are herd animals and will want to drink socially together so trough size should allow for this. Increasing head will reduce pump outputs. At 10m head the pump will run approximately 65% of peak output. Increasing the distance the pump works over will also increase head and therefore reduce pump output. Solar recharge times vary with weather conditions.