Book reading
The Resilient Farm and Homestead
Ben Falk
Pages 128 to 163: Water movement, catchment, storage, and earthworks
Book access & editionsModule 08 / 25
Water
Water is one of the flows you began recording during site observation. Here you’ll follow it in more detail, considering where it comes from, how it moves, where it can be stored, and what happens after it is used.
Begin with the book selection on water movement, catchment, and storage. The water-cycle resources and groundwater illustration provide context for interpreting your site map. The greywater and blackwater reading adds questions about household outflows, followed by examples of water harvesting. Use these materials to develop the sources, routes, storage, uses, and outflows shown on your plan.
Topics
- The hydrologic cycle
- Conservation, water’s functions, matching quality to use
- Water harvesting and storage in built containers, in ponds, and in ground
- Tropical, arid, and temperate strategies
What you’ll learn
Learning goals
- Understand the water cycle and the importance of water
- Determine water flow in landscape and through domestic systems
- Apply conservation measures to one’s own life
Read, watch & explore
Getting the books · access & editions
Use your own copy, buy the book, or borrow it through a library when possible. If you are local to me, contact me about borrowing a copy. You can also contact me for information about digital or other access to assigned readings.
If your edition uses different page numbers, contact me and we can match the correct section.
For articles, excerpts, videos, and other resources, use the links in the lesson. If a video player does not load, try its source link. If you cannot access a reading or media resource, or it has no link, contact me with the module number and resource title.
Ask about books, readings or media access ↗Water movement and storage
Watch
Hydrologic Cycle
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Read
The water cycle - Khan Academy
en.khanacademy.org
This is the water-cycle resource introduced in Module 5. Apply that cycle to your site map here, following where water enters, moves, is stored, and leaves.
Open resource
Open full-size image
The three sections show the groundwater level rising as rain continues, with a spring appearing where water reaches the ground surface. Consider this movement alongside the surface flows on your water map.
Read
Grey Water vs. Black Water
science.howstuffworks.com
Distinguish greywater from blackwater when identifying household outflows on your water map. Consider what treatment or reuse questions each outflow raises; Module 15: Waste and Bioremediation develops the treatment discussion.
Open resourceWatch
Water Harvesting in Permaculture Design
YouTube
Watch where water is intercepted, slowed, stored, or directed. Compare those choices with the catchment and storage reading in The Resilient Farm and Homestead, then develop the relevant routes, storage, overflow, and outflow points on your map.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
Permaculture for Water
YouTube
Look at the decisions behind each water system. Watch this alongside The water cycle - Khan Academy.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Map your water flows
Add water arrows and brief notes to the map you already started: sources, runoff routes, storage, intended uses, and where surplus water leaves the site. Include household flows where relevant. Identify where water quality needs checking; a resource being reusable does not make it safe for drinking. Add these notes to your existing design map and bring it to the design discussion.
What to prepare
- Your updated site map showing water sources, runoff routes, storage, uses, and surplus-water exits.
- The brief water-flow and water-quality notes described above, including household flows where relevant.
Save written notes as a document or PDF. For paper maps or handwritten notes, use a clear photo or scan. You can combine related work in one file.
Share & discuss
Attach your water-flow map and notes.
Email the address listed under “Get In Touch” on my contact page. Do not use the contact form. Include the Permaculture Design Course, Module 8, and “Water flows” in your subject or message.
Find my email address ↗Readings & resources
- The Resilient Farm and HomesteadPages 128 to 163: Water movement, catchment, storage, and earthworksIn lesson ↑
- Hydrologic CycleWatchIn lesson ↑
- The water cycle - Khan AcademyReadIn lesson ↑
- Grey Water vs. Black WaterReadIn lesson ↑
- Water Harvesting in Permaculture DesignWatchIn lesson ↑
- Permaculture for WaterWatchIn lesson ↑