Water from NT rivers

[olddigger]

Later this year I plan to head north from Perth and spend some time camped on the Roper River in the NT (veterans retreat). I will need to get water from the river, which I imagine is home to many very large, scaly creatures with very sharp teeth and an attitude problem.
As I don't fancy strolling down to the water's edge with a bucket, would it be a good idea to buy a 12v bilge pump and use about 20m of hose to fill my liquid requirements? Would it be powerful enough? Other suggestions welcome.
And I plan to do some fishing there as well. Generally speaking, how far back from the water's edge is it a good idea to stand fishing in crocodile country? I am aware that it's not a good idea to go to the same place every day.
In my late 60s, I'm no Cathy Freeman, but I think I could manage a reasonable sprint over about 50m, given a decent start.
Cheers, Tony

[HEM19X]

Hi Tony,

The main thing you will need to work out is the height you have to lift the water. While bilge pumps work well, you might have a look at aquarium "pond" pumps, some of them are reasonably priced. What ever you choose, float it in a bucket [drill holes in it and stick some styrofoam to the top - float it out in the water a bit] and the pump shouldn't clog up.

As for the distance back, as far as I'm concerned, the further the better. Besides you don't have to be the fastest runner, the 2nd slowest will do!!!

Regards

Hem

[SteveandViv]

Hey Old Digger, when are you going. We plan to head around there on our way back from the Cape, may catch up with you for a coldie

I like Hems ideas. We also put the hose into a juice bottle with hole in it and then I steal some of the wifes stockings and that keeps the grass and stuff out. We then use some foam to let it float as well.

[duggie]

Hi olddigger '

I have set up a 12 volt pump for exactly the same reasons as you mention, I have a 40 m power  lead that plugs into the camp trailer and 30 m hose going from the pump to a garden tap attached to a short star picket, water on demand ,just turn on the tap and hey presto water.
This is the same type of pump , self prime, high lift and supplys plenty of flow . The only other thing that I did was at the end of the suction hose I added a Non return valve.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/12V-Mini-DC-Diaphragm-Water-Pump-40PSI-17L-min-4-5GPM-/260728364254?pt=AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cb49f1cde

I hope this helps ,cheers duggie.

[Jon]

Smith and Wesson 357magnum beats 50m sprint every time.

[2 Brutal]

you still have to get your bucket with pump in it, in the water and not just thrown on top of the weeds.

[olddigger]

Thanks for replies. Most useful. Had not thought about the need for a filter.
As for getting it out there in the first place, maybe a passing kid who looks hot and in need of a swim . . . 
Cheers, Tony