Net Positive Water
The home uses a snow and rainwater harvesting system, capturing runoff from the roofs of the farmhouse and barn to supply 7,500 gallons (28 391 liters) of in-ground cisterns, and also two permanent ponds. The water in the cisterns is used to fill all potable needs for water within the farmhouse and barn. Harvested water in excess of the capacity of the cisterns is diverted to the permanent ponds. The ponds have freeboard capacity, thereby functioning as rain gardens.
Ecological Water Flow
One-hundred percent of the storm water on the site is managed through a series of rain gardens, swales and water retention ponds that allow the water to seep naturally back into the groundwater system. A future-ready greywater system will expel grey water from the house to a greywater leach field and rain garden southwest of the house. Flows of blackwater from low-flush toilets and the kitchen sink currently are managed through a traditional septic system, with a traditional drain field. The use of composting toilets has been planned for the future through space provisions in the basement and sub-basement, including provision for associated leachate management.
Leave a Reply