[mad_as_he$$]

I was pondering the water issue yesterday. I live in an area where Summer temps are in the 90’s and Winter is often a below freezing for extended periods. I have plenty of water in the well, getting it out requires energy. I also have a large amount of water in 55 gallon drums (food grade) that is frozen solid for three months every year. I lose 1 or 2 barrels due to the cold every year.

I do not have room inside anywhere for storing six months of water (even just drinking water) for the four people I need to support. I currently have decided on utilizing a 24 volt pump, solar collectors and batteries for pumping from the well. I also will be installing a GE RO system in a frame that is portable with it's own charging system and pump. Problem with RO’s is they waste a lot of water, If you are on a stream or other large body of water no big deal. Here in the desert it is often imprudent to waste even scummy water.

Lastly I have several pumps that can be powered from a PTO on a tractor and have them ready to go on short notice; but again with the energy problem.

[maine yankee]

Freeze dried water ?

[MrB]

I think your solar solution for your pump is a good one.
To be electrically efficient, a DC 12 or 24V would be preferable so that you don’t have loss through your inverter.

If you want to get a bit exotic and experimental on your power source, look into biomass gasification. These things will run a gasoline generator on wood and waste.

http://taylor.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/Handbook_of_Biomass_Downdraft_Gasifier_Engine_Systems.pdf

[Kartographer]

You might consider one of these:Sandbag Cistern

http://earthbagplans.wordpress.com/2009/06/24/earthbag-cistern/

[Uncle Ike]

” a PTO on a tractor and have them ready to go on short notice; but again with the energy problem. “

My neighbor and I are refurbishing a 1948 Farmall tractor that is made to run on virtually any flammable liquid - we have a copy of the original manual with instructions on ‘alternate fuel’ operations...

Doesn’t ‘cure’ the “energy problem”, but gives us a lot of flexibility for finding solutions....

[OldPossum]

“...I do not have room inside anywhere for storing six months of water (even just drinking water) for the four people I need to support. I currently have decided on utilizing a 24 volt pump, solar collectors and batteries for pumping from the well.”

There must be hand pumps available for pumping water from wells. Does anyone know of a supplier where I can buy one?

[GOPJ]

What about a back up hand pump? If things really get bad, you might not be able to count on getting replacement parts.