sky water

Im super pumped to be part of the Urban Farm Team at Circle of Hope, and I was asked to share what I know about rainwater harvesting for a talk a few of us will be giving in June. The more I think about it Im realizing I have a lot to share, from why we should consider it to 4 or 5 practical applications / simple systems we can build, ranging from the basic rain barrel to water your garden, to a pressurized cistern in your basement, to a small agricultural (urban farm) setup. My friend Stephan Way is really getting into the mix as well, and just got a rain barrel free from the city, and he is already watering his impressive vegetable garden, as well diverting the plentiful amounts of free water to wash his clothes. And there is a great article in our local Grid magazine from April as well.

A few reasons to care about catching and reusing sky water:

1. The next world war will be fought over water. Resuing rainwater, and learning not to waste potable water, builds an awareness of the water-wealth we live in, and helps us stand in solidarity with those who aren't so fortunate.

2. Reuing rainwater helps to lessen the load on our already ridiculously overtaxed "combined sewer systems." Basically, put that water to use in a garden instead of sending it to the river with the pollutants its going to pick up.

3. Refill those aquifers. Since the 1950's (+/-) our underground fresh water reserves have been dropping. Its like a big pot of water, and we're essentially interrupting the natural cycle and sending polluted fresh water to the rivers and eventually the ocean. its messed up.

4. Pay less for water, and go easy on mother earth already. Yes, water is cheap, you probably dont even think about it. The hidden costs of what it takes to "make" potable water, and clean it when we are through, are astounding.

5. Learn something cool to be able to teach all your friends and neigbors around you. Being resourceful is useful thing to build community.

Stay tuned for more....here are some pics and videos to get you thinking:

Basic diagram of a simple rainbarrel.....

3-barrel system in Ithaca, NY......

whoa that is a lot of water!

Our friend Andrea Ferich in Camden, with muzak from Psalters:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4tw8mOqsPw&NR=1

and this guy calms me down:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvWginV0el4