How it typically works is that the grey water is piped into a series of natural filters, so that the result is surprisingly clean water without the use of chemicals. That water (while not drinkable) can be used to water plants.

Do note that to use this system, you must use bio-degradable detergents, soaps, and so on. Non-biodegradable products may be too harsh for your system to break down and could harm plants and wildlife.

Garden System:

Water is piped out into a filtration system series. Here is a common setup:

Course Medium:

Something to catch foods and other solids. Examples: – A container of mulch or coconut fibre with worms. The worm castings (waste) can be removed for the garden. – A container of sand.

Grease Trap:

The oil and geese will raise to the surface of the water as it settles, so that it can be removed from the water. – 📺 How to make the easiest home-made grease trap by Off Gridding on a Shoestring – 📺 How a Grease Trap Works by Southwaste Disposal LLC

Mock Wetlands:

wetland plants grown in a gravol rock medium (such as volcanic rock). The plants and microorganisms will help break down food particles and minor pollutants into harmless elements. Some wetland plants are even known to remove heavy metals. – 📺 How to Recycle Waste Water Using Plants by Andrew Millison

Holding tank.

A tank to hold the now filtered water.

Suggested Videos: – 📺 Simple Permaculture-Based Grey-Water Treatment System

| Source: Lawrence Fields.

Toilet System:

Some companies (such as Aqualoop are selling systems that clean your water in a reservoir within your house, so that the grey water can be used within toilets. There is little point to use potable (drinkable) water within your toilet, so these systems can save money and water.

Suggested Links:

• 🎙️ BBC: The Secrets of Greywater

#water #garden #farming #greywater

The terracotta pots are buried in the soil, and filled with water. That water then slowly seeps into the soil while being protected from surface evaporation. They may save between 60 – 70% of water when compared to the conventional watering can. 1

They are thought to have been used by humans for over 4000 years, and have seen use around the world. 2

“To maximize impact, place ollas every 2 – 3 feet in the garden. Larger ollas, with a 2 or more-gallon capacity, can be placed up to 3 – 4 feet apart.“ [1]

Today, there are many different options: including watering spikes, traditional style olla, and irrigation-ready olla.

Make Your Own:

If you can not afford or find a traditional Olla, you can create your own.

Supplies:

• Two plain terracotta pots
• Terracotta pot saucer/base
• Silicone glue or another sealant of your choice
• A flat rock or pot saucer

Instructions:

1. Fill the drainage hole of one of the pots with the silicone glue. Allow it to fully set.
2. Use the glue to seal top rims of the two pots together. Allow the glue to fully set.
3. Dig a hole in your garden deep enough for the top edge of the pot to be just above the soil.
4. Place in the pot so that the unfilled drainage hole is to the top. Fill in the dirt, leaving the top uncovered.
5. Fill the pot with water. This is much easier with a funnel (if you have one).
6. Place the rock or pot saucer over the hole to keep anything from falling in.

#gardening #FarmingAndGardening #farming #water #ollas #olla

In Harie, Shiga(Japan), water canals run through much of the town, and the people there use it to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with fish.

Imagine a pool of water that people use for washing fruits, vegetables, and dishes. That same pool has carp that call it home, and the carp eat the scraps and keep the water crystal clear. This could be inside the home or outside, but it is constantly added to by natural spring water, and the water exits in to a canal. This system is called “Kabata,” and has been used for over 300 years. [1]

The Wider Benefit:

That running water then heads to rice flats, which benefit from the natural fertilizers the fish provide. That water then heads to wetland area, where the water is cleaned by reeds and other vegetation before entering a lake. [2]

Suggested Videos:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THcKJpXwqVM

#cityplanning #greenliving #water

The Tiyeni deep-bed farming system during cultivation

Method

• Break the Hardpan: Farmers dig through the compacted sub-soil layer once during the first year, allowing roots, air, and water to move deeper into the profile.
• Construct Deep Beds: Beds about one metre wide are formed alongside shallow ditches. These ditches capture rainfall and reduce runoff, while the beds are kept permanently unwalked to prevent re-compaction.
• Intercrop and Rotate Crops: DBF replaces monocropping with mixed planting (e.g., maize with legumes or pumpkins) and seasonal rotations to improve soil nutrients and reduce pests.
• Mulch and Compost: Weeds and plant residues are used as mulch or compost, boosting organic matter and reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers.

Benefits

• Major yield increases have been recorded—maize rising from ~1.7 t/ha to over 8 t/ha in some trials.
• Strong reductions in soil erosion and improved water retention.
• After year one, the system shifts toward low-till or no-till.
• Farmers report improved food security and higher incomes.

Limitations

• High labour demand in the first season.
• Best suited to regions where rainfall or runoff capture is practical.
• Requires training to adopt new bed layouts and crop diversity.

· · ──────·❂·────── · ·

References:
– 📰 Tiyeni.org
– 📰 Loughbourgh University
– 🎙️ People Fixing the World Podcast
– 📺 BBC News Africa Youtube Video

#farming #permaculture #water #FarmingAndGardening

Since this is untreated water, it is healthier for the plants in your garden [1] while also saving you money on your water bill.

The use of the barrels can assist drought-prone areas by collecting water in the rainy season which can then be used during the dry season. This reduces the strain on local water reserves.

Before Buying

Many cities do also have incentives to buy rain barrels, so be sure to do some research on that for your area.\ Some places (such as some USA states) have different regulations regarding water capture, so please look into that as well. [2]

Tips:

• Barley: If you are having trouble with algae, try barley. It helps restrict algae growth. [3]
• Mosquito Dunks: If you have a open-faced (no mesh or cover) barrel, consider a mosquito Dunk to help deal with mosquito larvae in a safe way. [4]
• Timers: If you water at the same time every day, consider a battery-operated faucet timer and a soaker hose
• Gravity: If you can get your barrels higher than the ground you are planning to water, you should be able to water without problems

DIY Option

Supplies:

• Garbage can with a lid
• Valve Spigot
• Screening
• Drill and drill bit
• Waterproof duct tape

Instructions:

• Use the drill and drill bit to make a hole near the bottom of the container for the valve spigot.
• Install the valve spigot (installation instructions will vary depending on what you buy)
• Use the drill and large drill bits to make a hole or several holes in the lid.
• On the top side of the lid, cut the screening so it will cover the holes, and tape in place with the water proof duct tape.
• Place the lid upside down over the container so the rim of the lid helps to funnel the water
• Place your new rain barrel under your downspout.
• Optional: Add another tap near the top of the container if you want to link multiple containers.

#greenliving #traditionalskills #water #gardening #farming #FarmingAndGardening

They are an inexpensive water filter which uses the small pore size of the ceramics to filter out impurities. You pour water into the top half, and that water slowly filters into the lower half. Since it only needs gravity and does not cost anything to run, it is a very cost-effective way of filtering water.

Some (though not all) also come with a activated carbon filter to aid in the removal of chemical contaminates (like chlorine) and/or a special silver treatment to help kill bacteria, mold, and algae. [1]

Since many people in the world do not have save drinking water or do not trust the water from their local treatment plants, these filters can provide a filtration method that does not contribute to the use of bottled water.

Note: When treating water directly from a wild water source, it is generally suggested to use a filtration method along with a method of disinfecting (such as boiling). This is because while filtering can remove many dangers, it can not remove viruses. [2]

Maintenance:

The top half should be cleaned regularly to keep the ceramic pours free of impurities. This can be done with soap and water, or just water and a bristle brush.

#water #lowtech