If you have lake access, you have an irrigation water source that costs nothing to use. We design and install lake pump systems for lakefront homes throughout the Orlando area.
📞 Call (407) 299-1077The Setup
A lake pump system draws water directly from an adjacent lake or pond using a submersible intake or floating intake assembly. The water is pulled through a suction line to a pump and filtration unit on shore, then distributed through your irrigation system just like city water or well water would be.
Filtration is essential — lake water contains sediment, algae, and organic material that would clog sprinkler nozzles without it. We size the filter system based on your flow requirements and the water quality typical of your specific lake.
From the pump and filter assembly, a mainline runs underground to your irrigation control system. From there, the system operates exactly like any other: zones are controlled by valves, managed by a controller, and timed to your watering schedule.
Full Service
We design and install the lake intake assembly — either a fixed galvanized pipe with a foot valve or a floating intake that adjusts with water level. The right intake type depends on your lake's depth fluctuation and the setback from your property line.
We size and install a filtration system based on your lake's water profile. Most systems use a combination of a Y-strainer or disc filter at the intake and a sand media filter or screen filter at the pump for a second stage. Algae-heavy lakes may need additional pre-filtration.
We calculate the flow rate your irrigation system needs and size the lake pump accordingly. Running the wrong size pump either starves zones or burns the motor out from deadhead pressure. We get the spec right the first time.
We tie the lake pump system into your existing irrigation mainline or install a new one from scratch. All valve connections, pressure tank installation, and controller wiring are handled by our crew.
Keeping It Running
Filters in a lake pump system need cleaning 2–4 times per year depending on algae load and water clarity. A clogged filter drops flow to the pump and can cause the motor to run hot. We include filter service in our monthly maintenance plans for lake pump clients.
Florida summers bring intense algae growth in many lakes. This is when filter maintenance matters most. If your intake sits near the surface, a bloom can overwhelm a screen filter quickly. We recommend subsurface intakes in lakes with heavy summer blooms.
During drought periods, lake water levels can drop significantly — especially in smaller lakes and ponds. If your intake isn't set at the right depth, it will air-lock and lose prime. We account for seasonal variation when positioning the intake assembly.
Once a year, we recommend having the pump head inspected, impeller clearance checked, and motor amperage verified against nameplate specs. A lake pump works harder than a well pump due to variable water quality, so it earns more frequent checks.
Real Projects
Large bay-front property with a 10-zone irrigation system previously on city water. We installed a 1 HP centrifugal pump, dual-stage filtration with a disc pre-filter and sand media filter, and a floating intake set at 4 feet below the surface. System now runs entirely on lake water. Annual savings: estimated $2,400.
New construction home on the Butler Chain of Lakes. We designed the lake pump system from the ground up alongside the irrigation system — single-source intake, pump house with 3/4 HP pump, 12-zone valve manifold. Permit coordination with SJRWMD handled by our office.
Existing irrigation system that had been on city water for 11 years. Customer wanted to convert to lake water after water bill increases. We tapped into the lake at the seawall, ran a 1.5" suction line to a new pump and filter station near the garage, and tied it into the existing mainline. Conversion took two days.
Rural lakefront property with no city water service. We installed a complete irrigation system using the adjacent lake as the sole water source — intake design, pump, filtration, 8-zone valve manifold, and Rain Bird controller with smart scheduling for East Orange County watering restrictions.
FAQ
Yes. Withdrawing surface water from a lake or pond for irrigation requires a consumptive use permit from the St. Johns River Water Management District. For typical residential irrigation use, this is a standard permit. We handle the paperwork and coordinate the application as part of the installation.
Yes — SJRWMD and local ordinances typically require intake pipes to be placed a minimum distance from the ordinary high-water line and in some cases from neighboring property lines. We account for these requirements in our intake design. Every property is slightly different depending on the lake's classification.
Generally yes — for grass, shrubs, and most landscaping plants, lake water is fine. Filtration handles the sediment and organic material before it reaches your sprinkler heads. The one exception to watch is if your lake has very high iron content, which can cause staining on concrete. We can recommend iron treatment if your lake tests high.
Pump sizing depends on two things: your irrigation system's flow demand (gallons per minute needed for your zone count) and the static lift from the lake surface to your pump station. We calculate this during the site assessment and select a pump sized specifically for your property.
A clogged filter drops the pressure available to the pump and zones, and can cause the pump to cavitate or run hot. The fix is cleaning or replacing the filter media — typically a 10–15 minute job if you're on a regular maintenance schedule. We include filter service in our lake pump maintenance plans.
Call us to schedule a site assessment. We'll walk your property, evaluate your lake access, and give you a clear plan and quote.