North Dakota Irrigation Pumps: Types and Selection per NDSU Extension

NDSU Extension publication AE1057 "Irrigation Water Pumps" (lead author Thomas F. Scherer, reviewed February 2022). Its summary: "The heart of most irrigation systems is a pump." Only stated points are included.

Key points from the page

Pump types named: centrifugal, deep-well turbine, submersible and propeller; turbine, submersible and propeller are described as special forms of centrifugal pumps.
Selection inputs: water source, required flow rate, total suction head and total dynamic head (TDH).
1 PSI equals 2.31 feet of head. Suction theoretical maximum is about 33 feet; excessive suction lift causes cavitation, which damages impellers.
Centrifugal pumps suit reservoirs, lakes, streams, shallow wells and booster service; they must be primed. The page gives suction lift as limited to about 20 vertical feet.
Deep-well turbine pumps suit cased wells or deep water surfaces; no priming; higher cost; impellers need periodic adjustment. Potable or livestock water requires water-lubricated line shafts.
Submersible pumps: motor and pump both underwater; need water flow past the motor, or the motor can burn out; electric power only; lightning is named as a leading cause of failures, so lightning protection should be wired into the control box.
Propeller pumps: low-lift, high-flow; cannot be throttled; cannot handle suction lift; submergence is critical.
Installers should supply the pump curve and note any impeller trimming.

Not verified: North Dakota well permits, water rights and site-specific sizing; the page does not cover them. Formulas and example pump-curve figures were left out; use the original publication.

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General information only. Not plumbing, legal or code advice. Confirm with a licensed professional and your local authority.