 It’s best to locate the pump station on lower elevation to prevent back flow.

You can connect the

pipes in such a way that one pipe draws water nearer to the bottom of the dam at a very steep
gradient or angle (water just flows into the pipe). You then connect that pipe to another pipe
underground which then takes the water to the pump. You introduce sort of a bend like where the 2
pipes meet not a sharp turn.

 The gradient difference between the station and dam will depend on the volume of water you want
to draw from the dam and the efficiency of the pump. A very small elevation difference can provide
enough discharge into the pipe.

 Depending with the efficiency of the pump, you can put a valve with sensors at the pipe opening in
the dam so that you remain in control in terms of discharge and volume of water needed. You open
and close the pipe at your own and minimize pipe bursting.

 Depending on the size of the project you can use 2 circular pipes with smooth inside walls to reduce
friction and head loss so that water arrives at the pump station with more pressure.

 You can lay the pipes whilst constructing the dam walls such that the structural integrity of the walls
is not compromised.

 Diameter length and pipe material (plastic, steel or concrete) depend on project size and economy.
If you insert a valve which controls discharge, plastic pipes will be best suitable.

For irrigation size your pipeline such that at the end or near the field the diameter is minimum. The
reduction in size will increase the water pressure and the velocity at the nozzle outlet is maximum.

Pressure losses due to friction in the main line can be minimized by elevation difference between pump
station and field. Flow control nozzles are available… they compensate for pressure
variation in the field depending on the size of the field.