A system that delivers water at a specified flow and rate. Pumping plants include all of the pumps, energy supply, plumbing and protective structures.
Pumping plants can be solar-powered, submerged in water, or mounted on the surface of the ground. They can be powered by line electricity, photovoltaic (PV) panels, or wind or water turbines.
This practice can be used when a pumping plant is the best conservation choice for irrigation or watering livestock. Additionally, pumping plants may be used to maintain water levels in soils, wetlands or resevoirs. In some cases, pumping plants are used to remove surface runoff or groundwater.
How it helps
Improves or maintains:
delivery of water for irrigation
delivery of water for livestock
efficient use of water
improvment of air quality
reduction of energy use
levels of excessive surface or subsurface water
containment of animal waste when used as part of a manure transfer system
Learn more
Find NRCS Massachusetts technical information in the Field Office Technical Guide: eFOTG.
Photo Gallery
Click a photo below to see an enlarged version:
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Pumping Plant 533: Future site of a solar-powered pumping plant (before)
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Pumping plants are often used to deliver water to crops. Each site is evaluated to determine which type of pumping plant works best. In this case, a solar powered pumping plant was selected.
Pumping Plant 533: Solar-powered pumping plant under construction (during)
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Using solar energy for agricultural water pumps is ideal in that solar energy peaks in the spring and summer, at the same time that livestock and irrigation need the most water.
When properly designed, solar photovoltaic pumps result in significant long-term cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint compared to conventional power systems.
Pumping Plant 533: Solar-powered pumping plant in use (after)
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Solar-powered pumps are often used for agriculture in remote areas or where an alternative energy source is desired. They reliably produce enough electricity from sunlight to run watering systems.
Pumping Plant 533: A completed surface-mounted pumping plant
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Pumping plants may receive electricity from several different possible sources. These include regular line power, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, and wind or water turbines.
