Noisy Fish Pond Pump

[Xenophon]

Is there a legal limit on the DB level from a water pump running 24/7 in a neighbours fish pond?
The level is constantly 60-65 db plus, which is ok during the day but the constant whine is very difficult to bear on Summer nights with windows open.

Thanks.

[Kati]

Re: Noisy Fish Pond Pump

This might help - http://www.hiil.org/bestpractices/Ho...uisance%20(UK)

[des8]

Re: Noisy Fish Pond Pump

Is this of any use: http://www.hiil.org/bestpractices/Ho...uisance%20(UK)
Short summary

Normally, in course of day-to-day life people cannot avoid engaging in activities producing noise. Such noise can lead to disturbance of their neighbours. In order to prevent excessive noise disturbance both national and local rules might provide for silent hours. During those time periods disturbance of public tranquility should be avoided.
In the United Kingdom The ACT (Environment Protection Act of 1997) sets out seven zones for the purposes of acceptable noise. Daytime (between 7am and 10pm for Mondays to Saturdays or 8am to 10pm on Sundays and public levels):

• Zone A (industrial areas): 65 dB(A);
• Zone B (city and town centres): 60 dB(A);
• Zone C (group centres, office areas and the Parliamentary triangle): 55 dB(A);
• Zone D (commercial areas) and Zone E (broadacre and recreation areas): 50 dB(A);
• Zone G (residential and all other areas): 45 dB(A).

Nighttime (between 10pm and 7am for Mondays to Saturdays or 10pm to 8am Sundays and public holidays). The treshold is in general lowered by 10 dB(A) in comparison to daytime levels. The exception is Zone D, which is lowered by 15 dB(A):

• Zone A (industrial areas): 55 dB(A);
• Zone B (city and town centres): 50 dB(A);
• Zone C (group centres, office areas and the Parliamentary triangle): 45 dB(A);
• Zone D (commercial areas): 34 dB(A);
• Zone E (broadacre and recreation areas): 40 dB(A);
• Zone G (residential and all other areas): 35 dB(A).

Research evidence

This sharing rule can be found on this website.

[Kati]

Re: Noisy Fish Pond Pump

Last edited by des8; Today at 19:08:PM. Reason: OOPs crossed with Kati .. my excuse cooking dinner at same time I'm useless at multi tasking!!

:yo: great minds think alike des x

[EXC]

Re: Noisy Fish Pond Pump

It won't be the pump itself that's causing the noise. If it's correctly in place and sufficiently submerged you shouldn't hear anything apart from the flow of water. Two possible causes for the hum is that the pump is not secured and is vibrating against something solid or the water level is too low exposing the motor.

[Fred]

Re: Noisy Fish Pond Pump

It won't be the pump itself that's causing the noise. If it's correctly in place and sufficiently submerged you shouldn't hear anything apart from the flow of water. Two possible causes for the hum is that the pump is not secured and is vibrating against something solid or the water level is too low exposing the motor.

I have to admit being a little bemused by this myself, I have a waterfall driven from a submerged pump (the norm) & all you can hear is the water itself which, is rather pleasant as opposed to any other noise.

[charitynjw]

Re: Noisy Fish Pond Pump

Where was the dB level measured from? (ie at what distance to the source of the noise)

The intensity (W/m2) decreases as you move away from the source; 65 dB is quite loud, so if it is being measured from the OP's garden/house, it must be like WWII in the neighbours garden!