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The Citizen, 2003-08-27, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2003. Grey farmer makes move to solar water pump By Janice Becker Citizen staff Self-contained power grid John Gillis of Grey had no worries when the power outages hit the area recently. His solar-powered water pumping system, installed in a remote field, continues to water his cattle for several days, even under cloudy skies. With him is system sales representative Shari Stewart. (Janice Becker photo) PEOPLE AROUND WALTON By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570 Jeff Linton, Darryl Houston, Scott McDonald, Brian Dolmage and other Seaforth and area boys. Congrats to them. John Gillis of Grey, Huron East, is an innovator in Huron County. He is the first farmer to have a solar-powered water pumping system installed in a remote location so that cattle can be kept out of a waterway. Seeing the increasing regulations being implemented by the government to protect water resources, Gillis went looking for a way to water his cattle and protect the Beauchamp drain that runs through his property and which serves a wide watershed, both before and after it passes through his pastures. Gillis went to a local agricultural supply business in search of solutions. With the help of Shari Stewart, the solar-powered system sales representative, Gillis was soon the owner of a solar-powered system that not only supplied water to large tanks on either side of his ditch so that he could move the cattle from one pasture to the other, but the system also powered the fencing to keep the cattle out of the creek. “I am very pleased with it,” he said. Gillis is now able to rotate his 40 cows and their calves through the separated pastures with easy access to water at all locations. With that size of herd, Gillis had originally thought of installing another system, but more water needed to be moved. The three solar panels located next to the creek, inside the buffer zone established by the fencing and away from any obstructions such as trees shadows, are precisely positioned to optimize the available solar power, said Stewart. The system provides power to fill the two, 150-gallon water tanks then stores the excess energy created in two large batteries. The two batteries are able to store enough power for approximately four days of usage with complete cloud cover, said Stewart. More batteries or panels could be added. The power manager is the heart of the entire system as it regulates the power that is sent to various services. Gillis’s task is to simply switch the connectors so the tank on the appropriate side is being filled. He also regularly checks the filter which is located on the creekbank and ensures the lines are clear. Stewart is very pleased with the success of the “unique two tank system”. “It works fantastic,” she said. Though the system supplies water for two tanks and the fencing, purchasing can use it assistance an for in the Stewart said this is actually a starter set-up with the system easily added on to if required. With the recent power outages, Stewart points out that Gillis had no worries that his animals would not get watered. Though it is not necessary, Gillis said he will probably remove the system from the field for the winter and is considering adapter so that he household purposes. Gillis received purchasing the system through Healthy Futures program administered by the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority. The grant also help fund the planting of trees in the 15-foot buffer zone. Stewart said the company for which she works has received a lot of requests about solar-powered systems, through Healthy Futures, but Gillis is the first to have one installed. And with its resounding success, Stewart said Gillis had the perfect situation for locating the first system in the area. C INSURANCE PREMIUMS TOO HIGH? A fJJOmni JI Insurance Brokers Save 20-40% on your auto insurance and more on other insurance services * Free No Obligation Quote Paul Hallahan R.R. #3 Blyth (519) 523-9110 Fax: (519) 523-9278 Clinton Office: (519) 482-3434 ijFIl \^email:phallahan@odyssey.on.ca Offering Insurance & Financial Services Farm/Commercial/ Residential/Auto Accident/Sickness 7 up, and the Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Kistner, daughter Nancy and husband from Guelph visited for the day with Howard and Audrey Hackwell. They visited a Brussels cemetery and commented on how well kept it was. It was a marvellous turnout to the beef barbecue at the Brussels arena in support of the beef producers. A sold-out crowd of 1,800 enjoyed the bounty of Huron. Congratulations to Cardiff catering, the many volunteers of the Brussels Agricultural Society and all volunteers who helped set prepared vegetables, potatoes serve the great crowd. Another instance of how Brussels and area community draws together in times of need to support one another. It is reported that Brian Workman’s condition has been upgraded and we send out thoughts and prayers to him and his family for his continued improvement. Congratulations to Paul Beuermann and Christine Rennick on their wedding this past Satur­ day. We spent a couple of days on holiday at Bayfield on the weekend. Joining us were Carmen and Mary Bernard, Chris and Judy Lee. Vai Shortreed and Steve Knight and Marni Dingman. Stopping in for a brief visit was Cheryl Thompson. Relaxing, walking on the beach and touring the streets of Bayfield was as exciting as the weekend got but rest and relaxation was really enjoyed by all. Congratulations to the Indians slo­ pitch ball team of Walton as they captured the Huron Men’s slo-pitch league A championships. Members ol the team include Devon Blake, INFORMATION. A POWERFUL MOSQUITO REPELLENT The mosquitoes that are most likely to bite you are breeding in your own back yard! West Nile virus is on a lot of people’s minds these days. West Nile virus surveillance activities in Huron County and across the province indicate that we could be heading into a peak transmission of the virus from mosquitoes to humans. In 2002, the majority of human cases of West Nile virus in Ontario were reported in late August and September. The Health Unit urges residents to remain vigilant in reducing standing water around homes, cottages and businesses. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by turning over any container that can hold water after a rain storm, cleaning up decaying leaves, debris and old tires, and cleaning out eaves troughs. The Huron County Health Unit is monitoring birds and mosquitoes for West Nile virus and will provide timely information on any human cases that may appear. While the chance of serious illness is low, we should all take common sense precautions to reduce risk. Avoid areas with mosquitoes, especially during dusk and dawn when they are most active, and in heavily wooded areas during the day. Wear light coloured clothing and cover up whenever possible. Use insect repellent on exposed skin, carefully reading and following all product instructions found on the label. Stay informed about West Nile virus so that you can have a healthy summer. To find out more, visit www.huroncounty.ca or call the Huron County Health Unit at 482-3416. If calling long distance, dial 1-877-837-6143.