Question
I have irrigation water from May 1 until October 30th.  I want to hook up the 2 inch access to a pump then filter, then distribute the irrigation out to a system that has sprinklers and a couple of faucets.  I read your articles and still have a hard time visualizing the pump system schematics.  My goal is to have the pump come on and pressurize the main line if a sprinkler control valve is turned on, or if a faucet is opened.  Additionally, I want the pump not to come on if by chance the irrigation water is removed at the source.  I think a 60 psi main would be great.

From the line in, what does the system look like, and is there a diagram on your web site, along with a suggested brand name of parts available?  (Is it: line in, storage tank, self priming pump, filter, pressure regulator, then line out??)


Answer
Thanks for your question.
I'm sorry to say I don't have a website. I am truly am irrigation contractor who volunteers his time. As Busy as I get I don't think I could properly maintain a website anyway.
I assume the water source you're hooking to is a community access type irrigation system. They supply the water and you take it from there.
I've enclose a web link to a generalize pressurized pump hook-up. This a "Starite" pump, but any pump will work. As you see, the hook-up is fairly simple. Water source to the suction side, the tank is connected to the discharge and the water service line out to the system. The filter would go after the pump and tank as the last item on the discharge line. As far as a pressure regulator. You don't really need one. The type of pumps we are working with here only develop 60-70 psi max. My feeling is, if your pumping water to a pressure which require a pressure regulator, you're using the wrong pump. The automatic shut off if you have no water can become a little complicated. Probably the simplest way would be to use a secondary pressure switch which operates in reverse. If everything is OK (normal pressure) this switch does nothing. When the pressure drops to 20PSI it opens, shutting the pump off. If the system gets down to 20 PSI, you have a problem somewhere. Broken mainline, no water, etc. It's a relatively cheap safety switch.
The most important thing. The suction line can not have any leaks, drips, almost good enoughs, problems, faults. It must draw water and only water. That is the biggest problem people have with pumps.
I'll try to find a better picture of a pump system for you, this one give you the general idea.

Matt
http://www.starite.com/pdf/S376.PDF