Water Systems

Designing for too much and too little water.

Swales: shallow, broad, vegetative channels placed on contour to store and convey run off.

The berm on the down-hill side of the swale is ideal for planting trees and deep rooting plants

not appropriate for steep slopes 15% +

Permaculture swale video

Ponds, Dams- water storage areas; plan for over-flow

Aquaculture: rice-duck-fish polycultures

Home use of water:

• saving tap water for bathroom cleaning/ toilet flushing

• using gray water- bathwater for pre-washing laundry ; Laundry water for trees and ornamentals

• Dish water to flush or stop water plants

• Rain Barrels City of Fort Collins Colorado Rain Barrels

Building a Rain Garden

PSU Extension- Drip for Vegetable Production