Rainwater Harvesting Techniques

COMMENTARY

• Subterranean cisterns helps prevent mosquito breeding in stored rainwater
• Creating berms and pits called “elephant tracks” in the yard can capture runoff supporting large trees
• Channeling roof and hardscape rain runoff into landscaping can double effective watering for your garden
• Justin explains how harvesting rainwater lowers bills while enhancing food production with a case study of fruit trees on a third of an acre

Water Saving Sources

COMMENTARY

• One inch of rain over a 1,600 square foot roof can produce 55-gallon barrels of water
• Greywater is gently used water from bath sinks and tubs, showers and washing machines
  • A single household using greywater can irrigate many plants showcasing reuse potential
  • Biodegradable and chlorine-free soaps reduces environmental impact and actually enhance soil moisture
  • Laundry greywater suits the deep watering needs of trees and deeper-rooted plants
• Underground cisterns combined with pumps and irrigation timing ensure water captured on rainy days

RESOURCE

• Biodegradable Cleaning Products Including Detergents And Soaps

Takeaways

COMMENTARY

• Fixing irrigation leaks that cause significant water loss
• Avoiding clogs in the diaphragm valves in the valve box
• Drip emitters should have a slow flow rate (1-4 gallons per hour)
• Two tree watering theories
  • Drip edge: Applying water to the soil directly beneath the outermost tips of the branches
  • Broomstick effect: Benefits of watering near the root base for deeper absorption