If there's one thing that makes or breaks ranching in Wyoming, it's water. Sometimes there's an abundance, but often it's scarce. On top of that, trying to keep it from freezing in the winter is a whole other battle. Consequently, it's best to make sure your water system is optimal before winter hits. Even if it takes you a couple tries to get there.
This is not what you want to see. Especially after Dad and I just got it going last week. The problem then was the connecting hose was gummed up with rusty sludge deposits. This time, we were convinced that the entire line from the well to the tank was gummed up. Sure enough.
So Dad brought over our spray pump unit to flush out the system.
This 100'+ deep well free flows about 2 gallons a minute of water up the casing. So they just tapped the side of the casing and plumb the water 100' or so down the hill to the stock tank. Awesome set up. The problem is that it is such a small volume of water that air flows with it down the pipe, causing the iron in the water to turn to rusty sludge. Remedy: flush the poly line with pressurized water, purging all the rusty junk from its midst.
Purge it did! Buck and the boys applauded our efforts.
At 75psi, it probably took 350 gallons of water to get it free and clean.
That's more like it.
So we hooked the transfer hose back up.
And let 'er run. Doesn't look like much. But for Wyoming standards, this is a site to behold!
Everyone's happy.
Good stuff. I probably enjoy ranching challenges as much as ranching itself. However, water is not something to mess around with. If old man winter is knocking on your door, you best have your water program signed, sealed, and delivered. If not, it might be an interesting five months. The beauty of our water set up on Jack's place, is that flowing water won't freeze. As long as this trickle keeps trickling, the line will stay thawed and so will the majority of the tank. Though, it'll still be something to keep an eye on. Ranch Ready.
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