Back pressure in a water system arises when the pressure exerted on the flow of water exceeds the normal operating pressure, which may impede the effectiveness of pumps and other components. High elevation pumps can contribute to back pressure due to the additional resistance they create when lifting water to considerable heights. When water is pumped upwards, the weight of the water column adds to the overall pressure in the system. If the elevation exceeds the pump's capacity or the system is not adequately designed to handle this pressure change, back pressure will occur.
In systems with high elevation pumps, if the discharge or delivery point is at a higher elevation than the pump itself, the water must overcome gravitational forces, creating back pressure. This can potentially lead to inefficiencies in water delivery, increased energy consumption, and strain on the components of the irrigation system.
Understanding back pressure is vital for ensuring that the irrigation system operates effectively and that pumps are selected and placed appropriately to mitigate any adverse effects.