Developing & Tapping into a Natural Spring

One of the most remarkable discoveries on our mountain property—something completely absent from our suburban homestead—was a naturally flowing spring. We toured the land and obtained a boundary survey. Only then did we realize this hidden gem belonged to us. The spring bubbled quietly, its crystal-clear water a secret gift, untouched and unknown even to the original owners. Discovering it was momentous. It was a rare and unexpected treasure. It added both beauty and a sense of wonder to the land. Its presence reminded us that the mountains hold mysteries. There are blessings just waiting to be uncovered. This deepened our love and appreciation for this special place we now call home.

As we explored different properties, we came across a few that featured natural springs, which immediately captured our imagination. The idea of having our own flowing water source was incredibly appealing. It was a perfect complement to the homesteading lifestyle we dreamed of. But these properties came with a steep price—significantly higher than what we had budgeted for. As homesteaders, we had to consider the long-term impact. We didn’t want to incur massive debt just to secure a spring. This was especially important before even moving in and beginning to build our life on the land. It became clear that we would need to make a practical compromise. While having water on the property was certainly desirable, it wasn’t worth jeopardizing our financial stability. For the time being, we chose to prioritize affordability and sustainability. Convenience was less important. We accepted that a spring might not be part of our new homestead—at least not yet. It was a sobering but necessary lesson in balancing dreams with reality.

Natural Spring Location

Groundwater emerges from beneath the Earth’s surface to create a natural spring. It is pushed upward by natural pressures that force it to flow above ground. These hidden water sources can appear almost anywhere, tucked into the landscape like nature’s own secret gift. They are often found along mountainsides or hills. The land’s contours help guide and release the underground water. Springs vary in size and flow. Gentle trickles create peaceful little pools, while robust streams can feed ponds or creeks. Their presence is a reminder of the unseen forces of nature at work beneath our feet. These forces quietly sustain the land and all the life it supports.

We were thrilled with the location of our natural spring. It is nestled up the hill from our planned homestead site. It is directly behind where the house will be built. It feels like nature placed it perfectly for our needs. Its elevated position is more than convenient—it’s a functional blessing. By harnessing the natural slope of the land, we can use gravity to channel the water downhill. This reduces the need for pumps and electricity. It makes the flow both effortless and sustainable. Every time we stand near the spring, we can envision the water coursing gently toward the house. This is a simple yet elegant solution. It feels perfectly in harmony with our homesteading goals.

One advantage of our spring’s location is the short distance to the main house. This means we’ll need only a minimal amount of PVC piping. This not only keeps costs down but also reduces the risk of leaks, breaks, and future repairs. The shorter run simplifies the installation and maintenance of the water system. It allows us to enjoy a reliable flow from the spring with less effort. It also reduces expense. It’s a small detail. It may seem insignificant, but it makes a big difference in the practicality and longevity of our homestead’s water setup.

Clearing the spring site

The natural spring point wasn’t too hard to find. We pulled out the survey map to find the general location on our property. Then we looked around for moist ground. Ferns and moss were all around the area. We knew we were getting close. And finally, there it was, a small slow running stream down the shallow hillside.

The picture to the left is the overgrown area. We cut down the spindly trees first.

We hired an excavation team for this daunting task. The husband and I wanted true experts. We needed them to find the head of our natural spring. They would follow it to the origination access point. They dug back, finding the water trail coming out of the mud, then they dug down about fifteen feet. Finding the source became apparently clear when the water-filled up fast.

The springhead ended in a perfect location, higher than the cabin. Meaning, we wouldn’t need a sump pump to deliver water but use the Earth’s free gravity.

Developing the natural spring & reservoir

Next, the guys laid a layer of clean gravel on top of the spring head. A 4 inch coiled perforated corrugated pipe was placed. A straightened PVC pipe was attached to the end. It was covered with more clean gravel. They laid a thick poly plastic sheet on top. This was to keep surface water and mud clumps from falling in. It also kept animals out of the water.

Our guys didn’t call it a night until late—10 p.m., to be exact—working diligently to complete this stage of the project. The timing may have been late, but it proved perfect for flushing out the dirt. The gravel and piping worked together to carry the sediment cleanly through the system. Watching the water run clear after the initial flush was satisfying. It was a small but important milestone. This marked the progress of our homestead’s water setup. Even in the quiet of the night, the sense of accomplishment was tangible. We knew that each step brought us closer to a fully functional, reliable spring-fed system.

Following the contour of the mountainside, we placed the 1200 gallon tank and connected the PVC pipe to the end. We piped the overflow at the top of the reservoir. This caused the water to flow away from the cabin. It moved down the other side of the mountainside. A one-inch PVC pipe was attached to the bottom of the tank and curved downward and toward the house.

I have to add that digging the run you see in the photo to the right took longer than expected. We had found a graveyard of boulders. It was one after the other. They were giant boulders that needed the excavator to move them. I also loved the finished product because they lined the entire pipeline after back filling with the boulders. It came out so beautiful, and now we know exactly where the line is located at all times.