Water Project is a success!
The Need
Since the garden's beginning in 2009, the gardeners have been carrying water long distances to their garden plots. First, they used the surrounding pond as a water source, walking through the poison ivy and mud to get water. In 2015 two generous donors enabled us to install two dug wells at opposite corners of our 1.8-acre garden. However, gardeners were still carrying water up to 200 ft after hand pumping the water from the well. Some gardeners were closer and could access water much more easily and more frequently, and others were at a clear disadvantage. In 2019 we started imagining a system that would deliver water to everyone more easily and equitably. We knew we needed a tank system.
The Solution
Two local engineers, Jon Hall and Boyd Smith, researched and designed a water distribution system that would pump the water from one well through 800 ft of irrigation pipe to eight 300-gallon tanks that are evenly spaced through the garden.
We decided to use solar energy to power the system because it is environmentally responsible. There are no nearby power lines, and we decided not to install an engine that would rely on fossil fuels.
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Gardeners are grateful that every plot in the garden is within 50 feet of a self-filling tank that has a faucet. Everyone has equal access to water for their food crops, and the sun helps make it possible!
How You can Help
The Water Project is a success! As of May 26th, 2022, the sun is powering our system, and the gardeners are using water from the tanks.
However, we still need your help. We need funds to help cover the cost of materials (including the solar panels) and costs to maintain the system long-term.
The Board of Directors took a leap of faith, ordered the solar-powered pump and tanks, and began installing the system in the Fall of 2021. We trusted the community would help us pay for this project and that we could fundraise this Spring, 2022, to cover costs not met by in-kind donations.
Volunteer engineers and business community members have donated over $3000 of goods and services to complete the installation. In addition, dozens more people volunteered their time and effort to make our dream a reality. Now, we have to raise $5000 more to cover the remaining costs.
We ask you to join the community of donors who have made the Water Project possible.
Can you join our village to help raise the water? No donation is too small. Thank you!
Click the button below to donate today, or you can donate between June 7th-8th as part of the NH Gives campaign, where your donations will be matched!
Thank you for helping us ease food insecurity and build connections of many kinds in our garden.
Thank you to these businesses
who made significant donations of goods and services:
