Cropsey Farm Irrigation Well On Its Way

After more than two years of planning, a long-awaited irrigation well has been drilled at Cropsey Community Farm.  The Rockland County Department of Health gave approval for the well and work began last week.   

"The well is the lifeblood of the farm," said Mike Clark, a local landscape designer and contractor who has been volunteering his time, equipment and experience to Rockland Farm Alliance (RFA) and coordinated the drilling project. "Without the water in drought conditions, we could lose the whole crop. It is also essential for expansion into the south field."

Clark of Chestnut Ridge noted even without drought conditions it is critical to have a way to manage water from a reliable source free of potential contaminants from the runoff of roads and lawns.  He added that rainfall patterns have changed. 

"Now when rain comes, it comes heavy. Not soft like it used to," said Clark, who owns Forsite Landscape Design.  

A new well must follow health department regulations and requires the expertise of a landscape architect, well driller, plumber, carpenter and an electrician plus sufficient funds. The 225-foot-deep well in the center of the property was dug in one day, last Friday, according to John McDowell, RFA co-founder and board president. 

"The strict regulations are another reminder that we, as individuals, need to work in a more environmentally conscious way," said McDowell. "We began this process several years ago and now that we have approval, we are very blessed to have several angels from the community as part of this process."

The planning and installation of the irrigation well at Cropsey Community Farm involved: Clark, owner of Forsite Landscape Design of Chestnut Ridge and Montvale, NJ, R & H Plumbing of West Nyack, Rick Ell Electrical Service of Spring Valley, Turnbull Well Drilling Associates of Warwick and Carpenter Frank Barreira of Congers.

"We're hoping to get at least 50 gallons a minute," said McDowell, noting the well water will only be used during dry spells or for seedlings.

"We're not taking out a lot of water," said McDowell. "It's just so the plants can be healthy."

McDowell explained the cost of the well probably equals $20,000 but the contractors donated their work or discounted it, which cut the cost in half. McDowell noted the RFA is a non profit organization and still has to purchase pressure tanks, build a well house and connect the electrical system for the well to operate.  He hopes that work will be completed within the next few weeks.  

This is not Clark’s first collaboration with Cropsey. After Clark and McDowell met through mutual friends, Clark’s began sharing his equipment, experience and know-how with the farm. Last season, Clark brought equipment over to help spread compost over a large swath of the five-acre field. He dug a trench around the perimeter of the fence for installation of a woodchuck barrier. 

"Putting in the well is the easy part,” said Clark. “Nurturing the soil, growing the food to sustain people, that's the hard work. The well allows this to happen."