Using an inefficient pump is also a problem in green house gas generation. Just like with our cars, even though 4 or fewer cylinders will get you there comfortably, six and eights are preferred. There really is no good reason, but people buy them anyway. Pond pumps are also able to do the job more efficiently than utility or sump pumps, and are designed for the job they do. You can get there real fast and spend a lot on the gas to do that, or you can get there fast enough, and spend half as much on gas. Same with water pumps. You can spend a lot of money to move the water, or you can spend less. You can risk polluting your water with oil, or you can get a safe pump. Any of the primary options creates bigger problems for the planet. I try to live efficiently. And hope others will too, as it is less expensive personally, and more healthy for everyone in the long run. Being able to afford to do something wrong, doesn't make it right. If you can't find the right way to spend your money, give it to someone that can. Oh, in the interest of full disclosure, I am not perfect, that is god's business. I am simply trying to be excellent! (Though still FAR from that!) I smoke, I drink, I use weed killer, I use bug killer, I drive a car, I have an OLD septic system, I have some incandescent light bulbs, and I have a chlorinated swimming pool. But, I smoke and drink less than I used to. I follow the directions on the killer cans, and use them now as a LAST resort, I drive a car that gets 38 mi/gal, have compact florescents in my most used fixtures, and want to convert the pool to a pond, just couldn't sell the Mrs. on it. Yes, I have a long way to go, but I am better now than ever, and encourage others to try to improve as well. Little bits here and there from everyone, ad up to big bits that are good for everyone. So please, use the most efficient pump you can. -TT -TT

I've only been a member for a few years now. Mostly I stay in the lawnmower and lawn forums. I came across this while at work the other day and just wanted to share since there has been a few posts recently about back-up systems. I can see why some places may not like them but according to the manufacturer it uses one gallon of city water to move 2 gallons of pit water.

I also live in MD and will definitely add a battery backup pump to my main sump pump. With a finished basement, furniture, electronics, tools,etc., I need the assurance that a power failure will not be a major problem. My first choice is a model that sits beside the sump hole, not in it. Only the intake pipe goes into the sump so my small diameter sump is not a problem. The backup pump is not subjected to being submerged , which should make it last longer. The system costs more, but I believe it will worth it. It is sold by a company called Hydropump (do a search). They also make water powered pumps.

There are backup pump systems on the market but you can make one that is reliable. It won't be as self contained as a manufactured one but will work in a pinch. A 1 or 2 thousand watt inverter ( Harbor Freight has a 2000 watt for around $79 when on sale) and a car battery will do it easily. You can even add a trickle charger and relay to make it automatic. If you decide to go this way, use a marine battery, they are designed to be recharged many times where an auto battery is not. You said the power isn't normally out that long so, that may not be an issue. The good thing is, if the power is out long enough to run a battery down, you just need to hook up jumper cables from the car and you're back in business. If you decide to go this way, email me. There are a couple of things I would also recommend, in lieu of getting too technical here. There are UPS systems for several hundred dollars that are self contained and plug and play. Just make sure you get one with ample wattage rating. Don't get sucked in by anyone trying to sell you a second, all battery powered pump. They work on the same principle but the failure rate is high.