Following discussion of Keith’s solar pump proposal at last Saturday’s Community Meeting, he has provided this update for all Burrandong Dam water users:
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Goolawah Co-op Members 
Thanks to Peter Wells for letting me know of his experience with a similar pumping setup.
It seems that if we want something that will really do the job and keep going long term then we will need something more heavy duty.
Here is a company that specialises in water pumping for farms. Those interested in technical details can read all about the system.
https://www.commodoreaustralia.com.au/product/pumpman-submersible-solar-pump-bore-pump-1-8-110-1800lhr-110m-head-48v-2-panels/
Hi Keith,
Thanks for your enquiry,
as discussed I would suggest the model C3-1.8-90, this pump can deliver 1800l.hr or a max head height of 90m.
This pump with 2x 250w solar panels is $2150 inc gst or $1900 with 1x 250w solar panel.
Alternatively the next model up is the JS3- 2.1-120 which can deliver 2100l.hr or a max head height of 120m – this pump with 4x 250w solar panels is currently on special for $2690 inc gst
Please see attached for the spec sheet on the pumps.
The pump kits include:
-Brushless DC pump,
Stainless steel 304/316, NSK bearings
-Weatherproof Solar pump controller with MPPT
-Low source water level switch
-Probe sensors for full tank sensing
-6m Solar panel wires – -Solar connectors
-Solar Panels to suit
-Spare replacement screw impeller ( rotor and stator)
-Instruction manual & Quick connection guide.
-Add $ 4.50 per metre for extended power cable
-Add $200 for pressure switch kit
When you’ve had a chance to have a look at this feel free to give me a call to further discuss the kits and answer any questions you might have.
Regards,
Linden Howells
Commodore Australia
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Nice thing about this is that it is a “one stop shop” that provides warranty and support.
Once we are confident about our choice of equipment we can then look at the issue of funding and cost sharing.
Just a reminder too that even for blocks that are not occupied there is a benefit.
A site that has water available is likely to be worth more than one that does not.
Update to the update.
I have now decided that the new pipeline to the top of the tank is unnecessary.
The flow from a solar pump will not be strong enough to disturb the sediment.
At some stage It would be a good idea to de-sludge the tank using a fire fighting pump.
The money that is saved by not running a new pipe can be put towards a larger and heavier duty solar pump.
Further research is being done on selecting the most appropriate pump and the solar panels need to power it.
John Tennock has advised that it is not possible to apply a levy to members and that only voluntary contributions can be accepted.
It is essential that this solar setup should be reliable and long lasting.
The estimated cost should be in the range $50-$100 per user depending on the number who contribute and on the cost of equipment chosen.
It would be very helpful if users could send their voluntary contributions to John Tennock -treasurer with contributions marked “solar pump”
Once the installation is complete adjustments/refunds to users can be made.
Finally, to restate the bleeding obvious, the communal tank is quite sufficient to handle each sites reasonable usage of water. The water is not suitable for drinking or even for showering and it was originally put in place to supply hand held hoses for gardens.
It would probably be a good idea to inspect the outlet pipes to check for leaks.
The tank is 20,000 litres that should surely be sufficient to supply reasonable demand?
The levy for the improvements to the system should be by site, not by member as there are those with 2 sites on the system. Community policy that all levies are by site.
Should the community be levied one share as the system ends at the common garden ? Or do we owe the community for the original set up of the concrete tank.
A pump that can easily fill the tank on a sunny day would be under worked and therefore last longer as it would be switched off for longer, making it last longer.
Is there a map of the route for the inlet pipe and any hazards along that route to be avoided , such as other pipelines etc.
Keith, there is 30 sites that have or can have access to the system. I it is within the Co Op rules to levy any funds required from the site holders, so if the Co Op advanced money this should be carried out to recoup the funds. Humans being humans, I think making it voluntary would not work very well? I endorse the whole concept and will voluntary my time to help set it up when you get a team together. Roger