Restoring a Hidden Spring System: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! Today, we're on my property to work on a hidden spring system that hasn’t been cleaned in over five years. The spring is housed in a concrete block structure with a cement floor, walls, and roof, making it nearly invisible unless you get right up to it. There’s a metal door covering the entrance, and today’s project involves cleaning it out and setting up a small display to show how it was originally built around 1964.

Currently, the structure is partially concealed by a tree that fell over it. To give a better idea, the building has a concrete floor, block walls, and a poured cement roof, so it blends seamlessly into the environment. I’m about to remove the door and take you through this adventure as we clean out the accumulated sediment.

After taking off the door, it’s a bit difficult to see the back wall clearly, but I’ll describe it as best I can. The inside is about four feet by four feet with cement blocks arranged to allow spring water to flow in. I’ve already shoveled out a good amount of sediment, and now I need to dig out the remaining buildup with a trowel. Time to get wet and dirty—let’s dive in!

I have removed most of the dirt inside, and I want to show you the structure in more detail. It has a poured concrete floor, blocks laid horizontally on three sides to support the walls, and a poured concrete ceiling. The water flows through a one-and-a-quarter-inch pipe, which exits the structure through an outflow system I set up. I plan to build a more effective sediment trap for better filtration.

The water is currently flowing at about six gallons per minute, which is impressive considering it’s the dry season. In wetter months, the flow can reach up to 14 gallons per minute, making it difficult for standard filters to handle. That’s why I’m constructing a larger sediment trap—a five-gallon bucket modified to manage the flow better. I’ll show you how I put it together and test it for effectiveness.

The setup involves a one-inch hose barb, PVC pipe, and a fabric cover acting as a primary filter. It’s not pretty, but this is just the first version. If it works, I’ll refine it into something more permanent. I’ve been down in this small space for a couple of hours now, clearing the sediment, installing the new filtration, and making sure the system runs smoothly. Let’s see if it holds up!

I know it’s a lot of work, but maintaining this spring system is worth it. The structure has been here since 1964, originally designed to feed a small cabin nearby. Now, the system connects to two separate storage tanks, each holding 275 gallons. The overflow runs into a double pump house, providing water storage of 550 gallons for use at the main house. This ensures we have plenty of water, even during the driest months.

This is all part of ensuring that our water, power, and sewer systems remain reliable year-round. If you found this video helpful or interesting, please give it a thumbs-up, share it, and subscribe to the channel. We’re reaching more people every day and building a community focused on self-reliance and practical projects like this one. Thanks for joining me, and I’ll see you in the next episode!

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