Introduction

Whole Systems Approach to Ecological Design

Appropriate Technology: Water

Organic Agriculture and Local Food

Appropriate Technology: Energy

Green Building & Retrofitting

Whole Systems Approach to Water

This approach involves closing the water cycle with re-use – most probably for irrigation.  Potable water in ecovillages is typically obtained through rainwater harvesting or boreholes.  Often windpower or photovoltaic panels are used for the pumping energy.

After use within the community, the water is treated preferably with a natural treatment system, as described in the next section.  The treated effluent is then disinfected if necessary and re-used most often in a drip irrigation system.  It is safe to use recycled water for the irrigation of trees, including fruit trees.  If composting toilets are used in the village, the humic material can be added to the compost and used to build up the soil in the orchard.

Participative art and community education will help in embedding the whole systems approach to water in the Ecovillage.

• The Hydrological Cycle
• Ecological Engineering for Water

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