WATER HARVESTING CONUNDRUMS

Trying to design a water harvesting system that will incorporate greywater, rainwater and the infrequent access to irrigation from the oued (river) is proving to be challenging. Traditionally, the irrigation channel that runs along the outside of one of the perimeter walls has been managed by constructing temporary damns made of mud, stone, plastic and other trash items. These small constructions divert the water so each property owner has equal access to the river water, 

when it exists.  Yesterday, we finished installing this grate and wood apparatus that will allow the flow by lifting the top piece of wood with its attached wire so the water can enter. It remains to be seen whether this device will win the approval of the neighbors. In these traditional cultures, thinking outside of the box is not always an option.

The best part of the day was watching our resident tortoise Frankie enjoying his breakfast!