Flows.com’s Solution for Measuring Shared Well Water

Clark, NJ, April 30, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Flows.com recently was approached with an application to measure the amount of water each of three residences used from a shared well system. The well in question was rated to have a well yield of 21 gallons per minute. When splitting between 3 properties, they needed to divide that flow rate equally so that each property owner was guaranteed to have a maximum of 7 gallons per minute to utilize in their households. According to the New Hampshire Water Well Association and the Water Well Board, a flow rate of greater than 5 gallons per minute is an acceptable rate for a private residence. Of course there are a variety of factors involved such as the number of individuals residing in the home, outdoor water use like pools, gardens, farming, etc. Lower flow rates can be acceptable but usually some kind of storage tank would be required in order to provide adequate water supply to the household.

The solution to this problem was a 3 part one which included the following:
1. Flow Regulating Valve
2. Water Meter
3. Shut Off Valve

The REG Flow Regulating Valve is an automatic valve that regulates the flow within the well system. This valve can maintain the flow at a constant level regardless of pressure changes in the system. That’s what makes it particularly good for applications where flow is being sent to several users. The other benefit of this valve is that there is no additional maintenance required and it needs no energy source to power it. There are a variety of options based on connection type, body material and accuracy and flow rate.

The water meter required was from Flows.com’s WM Series. The WM is a forged bronze, residential water meter that is a multi-jet, impeller meter. It’s offered in various connections and can include a pulse output as an option when needed. In applications that require potable water to pass through the meter, Flows.com specialists remind customers that as of Jan. 4, 2014 the Federal Government is mandating that lead free meters be used on any new installations. Flows.com also offers several “Lead Free” water meters if a customer should choose to meet those standards in advance (WM-LF and WM-P).

Finally, this system needs a shut off valve in case a replacement meter is ever needed. This will easily shut off the water flow so the change can be made. The economical 282 Series manual brass ball valve is the ideal solution here. It’s offered in a variety of connection types, sizes and can have a basic lever shut off handle or a variety of other types of handles depending on your needs and preferences.

In the application where there are three residences, each owner would need to purchase this system for it to work as requested. Not only is this an effective solution to the problem; it allows each home to receive the same amount of flow rate of water as well as to be able to monitor the amount of water they’re utilizing from the system and to be able to maintain this system through the years, but it’s also extremely economical! Each property owner could pay as little as $164.41 (+ tax and shipping). The price may vary depending on options and sizes selected.

Flows.com did “well” to find an economical, effective solution for their customers!