Messages From Water is an excellent book on the effects of the human mind on the world around us.

Every being on the planet knows how important good water is – that’s a given, no explanation needed. And yet our culture is growing increasingly complacent about the details. As long as we can turn on a tap or go to the store, we don’t really question the quality, quantity, source or disposal… just keep it coming.

Well, not here in the Chihuahua desert. There is no city water where we live; springs and water holes are few and far between; wells are expensive to drill and the water is often full of salts and minerals. The cleanest, tastiest water you can get is rain, and it comes delivered to your door. One problem though, our average annual rainfall is between 8 and 12 inches, and many of those inches come at once, so you have to catch it when you can. 

Catchment systems are cheaper and more efficient than any well, and can be easy to implement in almost any climate. It’s cheaper than buying it, easier than hauling it, and much better for you than drilling for it.   Some thought must go into the design of the system, the storage tank, and also the usages of your water, but nothing is unattainable.

Water Catchment
Water Storage
Water Usage
Erosion Conrtol
Waste Water

Additional Resources:

• General System Overview - a good explanation of a water system
• Rainwater Barrels and Supplies - decent products and good prices
• Rain Barrel Kits - mostly small irrigation types

Check out the WATER section of the STORE for our personal book recommendations.