Harvesting Rain Locally,
Conserving Water Globally by Lisa Kalloch
T
he question is often asked, ”With all the rain we receive here on the Gulf Coast, why is harvesting
rainwater important?” As representa- tives of only a small part of the bigger planetary picture, it is important to do our part as the planet is running out of clean, fresh water.
According to a report by the
World Economic Forum, the world is heading towards “water bankruptcy” as the demand for water surpasses high population growth. Closer to home, “water wars” between Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are ongoing and are likely to continue for many years as Atlanta’s metropolitan population continues to grow. While many reasons are offered for the worldwide decline in fresh water, this fact remains: the planet is facing a water crisis and we must each do our small part, so that all may benefit in the long run. Guided by the ethical philosophy of permaculture, Middle Earth Healing and Learning Center in Citronelle conserves water onsite by utilizing several techniques, such as creating swales on hillsides (for water to trickle into the ground, rather than rushing downhill); creating farm ponds and decorative lily ponds; and recycling gray water (wastewater collected from showers, sinks and clothes washers). Middle Earth also harvests
rainwater from each roof surface onsite. When rain falls, the water from the roof runs into a gutter system and collects in a washer, where leaves and other debris are collected before the rainwater continues to flow through the pipes and into a cistern for storage. The non-chemical-laden rainwater provides beneficial irrigation to the gardens and
It is not necessary to be a permaculture education center with large cistern tanks to help Mother Earth evolve into a more sustainable planet.
greenhouses throughout the year. The roof surfaces of the center’s yurt (a round, semi-permanent tent-like structure) and two greenhouses are able to collect up to 4,100 gallons of water at a time. With the help of a solar- powered pump, this water is used in the greenhouses’ drip irrigation system. Collecting up to 11,500 gallons at any given time, the rainwater harvested from the roof surfaces of the center’s house is used to irrigate the gardens and for watering the animals. With the addition of an inline water filtering system, the harvested rain can be used as a water source within the home, as well.
While the volume of rainwater
being harvested at Middle Earth is impressive, it is not necessary to be a permaculture education center with large cistern tanks to help Mother Earth evolve into a more sustainable planet. Every household can harvest rainwater with a simple system involving gutters and rain barrels.
Barrels can be positioned at corners of residential homes so that they collect rainwater from the gutters along the roofline. The proper screen, laid on top of a barrel, can function as a filter, preventing debris from entering the water collection and discouraging mosquito breeding. The insertion of a water spigot near the bottom of the barrel for a hose attachment allows
for accessible irrigation of nearby plantings.
Conserving water on a planet that is experiencing a shakeup in climate will become more and more important as time goes on. If individuals take responsibility in their day-to-day activities, whether it be turning off the water while brushing teeth or harvesting barrels of rainwater, the world will be a better place for all of its inhabitants. Human beings are the only animals on Mother Earth who have the consciousness to make a difference. So, as the old bumper sticker says, “Love your Mother,” and respect the lives of her future generations.
Kalloch is the co-founder of Middle Earth Healing and Learning Center, in Citronelle. To connect with Lisa or to learn more about the center, email
MidEarthHealing@yahoo.com, or visit
MiddleEarthHealing.com. See ads on page 31 and page 39.
Where to purchase:
TRUCKLOAD SALE SYSTERN™ Rain Barrels
The Earth Machine™ Compost Bins
BARGAIN PRICES
Pensacola: April 16, 9am-3pm Civic Center Parking Lot
FWB Area: April 16, 8am-2pm Santa Rosa Mall Parking Lot See News Brief Page 5
natural awakenings April 2011 27
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