As I sit here at my computer, I can see the creek outside my window. What an incredible amount of raw energy goes by every second!
I just did a Google search on Riparian Rights for North Carolina and it appears I may be legally able to harness some of the energy. Anyone have any experience with microhydro? My books on this are all still in storage.
WOW!!! Is all I have to contribute!!
Judy
I'm thinking about a 6" pipe upstream leading to a Pelton Wheel or a hydraulic ram... pretty unobtrusive and all the water will return to the creek. Need more information, though.
At a minimum, I will divert enough water for my garden area next summer, which will just be less than a trickle of what comes down the creek.
ceedub, we have had some rain over the last 2 days so the creek is up more than usual. However, it always some flow, at least since I've known it (August this year). Spring will be interesting! (Photo of low flow attached. )
I have a "sometimes" neighbor in this house (upstairs in the wing) but she spends a lot of time with her amor du jour plus she's a nurse and works 11-7 so I seldom see her. Next closest neighbors are about 1.5 miles away.
Fortunately, one of my birthday presents was a weather radio (elec and battery) with an alarm for weather alerts. And being retired, I don't have to battle weather to go to work everyday.
That's wonderful darius. The seclusion you have must be so therapeutic.
My parents bought a property when Mom was about 45 that was very secluded, nearest neighbour a mile away, and a creek just like yours very close. They built a huge house on the property, as they could afford it, took several years to complete. Dad passed away in '95 and Mom sold it in '98. I still miss that place-I've never known a home so quiet and peaceful in my life. Sure didn't like all the bugs though...lol. My favourite time to visit was when it was cold.
Darius,
Oh, when warm weather comes and you can open the window and hear the rush of water. Can't think of anything for making sleep more peaceful! Sounds like you found a bit of "heaven" in the land way beyond.
Gary/Louisville
Gary, I can actually hear the creek now (barely) with the windows closed if the TV is off. Cannot wait for spring and open windows!
I thought I would bump this up so maybe someone could provide you with more information, or their experience at doing a project like this. I can't wait to get updates while you are in the process of completing this project.
Judy
It must be a dream come true.Looks so quite and serene there.
Thanks, Judy. I would have imagined with as many subscribers as we have, someone would have an interest in alternative energy besides me, and maybe some info on using water power.
What are you wanting to do with that water power?
Would be easy to divert it to your garden, but if you had a more definite plan in mind other than that it would help narrow down the field.
'Shoe, I wanted some info about micro-hydro for elec power, which I stated waaaay up above... and that my books on this subject are packed away.
Yes, I can divert some to water my garden, and I will, but it seems I could do more than that and generate some elec. power without damming the stream.
