Water · Design capture and storage · water-11

Develop and protect a spring (if used)

A properly built spring box collects water underground before it meets surface dirt. Poorly developed springs are a common source of illness.

How

Dig upslope to where the water is at least about 0.9 m (3 ft) below ground or to bedrock, and build a collection bed with a cutoff wall, as NC State describes.
Build a watertight spring box (usually reinforced concrete) with a tight cover, at least about 1.2 m (4 ft) tall and extending about 0.3 m (1 ft) above ground. NC State notes a 0.9 m (3 ft) square box holds about 510 L (135 gal) at 0.6 m (2 ft) depth.
Include an outlet pipe, a screened overflow and a drain for cleaning.
Dig a U-shaped diversion ditch or berm at least 15 m (50 ft) uphill, and fence at least 30 m (100 ft) around the box (NC State).
Keep heavy vehicles off the uphill water-bearing ground.
Shock chlorinate the new box before use (see water-19).

Safety: Excavation near slopes can collapse. Do not work alone in trenches.