Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing essentially silt free water for the irrigation of turf grass areas and in particular for the irrigation of putting greens on golf courses. Flotation is provided for supporting the end of the inlet hose in a water body at a position therein below the surface of the water and above the silt located in the water body so that silt will not be ingested into the inlet hose and ultimately into the sump. The irrigation pump has its inlet end disposed in the sump so that silt deposited therein will not be carried into the irrigation system or plug the pump inlet. Coupling means is provided for joining the flexible inlet hose to the water supply pipe leading to the sump so that the flotation apparatus can be connected to existing water supply pipes or connected in new installations.