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Based on conversations with Mike Broili, owner of Living Systems Design, a Shoreline, Washington company that designs and implements solutions to on-site water issues, from storm-water mitigation to wetland accommodation.

Water again? Yep. Whether you live in the desert, where water is precious, or find yourself glaring in disgust at the pool rising in your basement after a hard Pacific Northwest rain, water management is increasingly important. In issues #7 and #8, we explored in-home water use in our two-part series "Purely Water." An essential resource in decreasing supply, water has aptly been described as the "oil of the 21st century." With growing world attention on water — ownership, usage and conservation — we continue to look at the difference we can make as individuals.

Why conserve water? It took me awhile to wrap my mind around why I should pay attention to how much water goes down my drain. I had a basic understanding of the water cycle and thought that water, unlike oil, was one of those resources that naturally recycled itself. Instead, growing populations and industrial water use have tapped aquifers and introduced a steady stream of contaminants into ground and surface waters, which require an immense amount of chemicals to rehabilitate. Beyond the rising expense of maintaining the systems that prepare water for consumption (and post-consumption, for eventual release) is the reality that both treated water and storm water degrade our waterways. During times of high water flow, cities with combined sewage and storm-water systems can and do release untreated water from overtaxed facilities. These factors and many others have strained the earth's ability to renew its fresh water supplies.

Cooperative conservation: Fortunately, we can lend nature a hand with the water cycle and relieve overtaxed municipal systems. Many local governments are setting more progressive water policies and encouraging citizen conservation. Some cities take unique approaches to water conservation through billing practices. For example, when our friends Theresa and Jon lived in Bremerton, Washington, they received bills based on their water waste instead of water consumption. A high bill meant they'd literally poured their money down the drain.

Across the country, cities offer rebates or reduced rates on water-harvesting (catchment) devices such as rain barrels or cisterns. Reuse of greywater (household water from showers, laundry and kitchen and bathroom sinks) is on the rise. These practices start with rethinking the way we use water, beginning with our own backyards.

Healing the hydrology — restoring the natural water cycle at a specific location — is Mike Broili's goal for both residential and commercial clients. Without proper attention, water troubles tend to recur, so Mike's focus is long-term: The water that falls on the site should remain on the site. Here are some of his solutions:

Permaculture, or permanent (agri)culture, is a conscious design system that brings a holistic approach to land management: working with nature to provide food, energy, shelter and other needs in ways that won't deplete the land. Mike discovered early on that environmental concerns may not be at the top of his clients' priority lists. So he bypasses pitching permaculture and introduces its concepts as a matter of course in creating a lasting solution to water woes — one that is both healthy for the earth and satisfying to his clients.

The three waterscapes: Working with the water flow on a building site involves three distinct areas of opportunity: landscapes, roofscapes and hardscapes. With the over-arching goal of wise water use, solutions slow the water flow enough that it can serve an immediate need, be harvested for future use or easily be absorbed into the ground.

Landscape opportunities center on improving soil and making appropriate plant selections. Best soil practices include mulching and composting to build a porous, sponge-like soil — one that grows healthy plants and readily absorbs water. Soil amended to a two-foot depth encourages deep root systems and lawns that won't brown in dry seasons. Select native plants for their ability to thrive with little upkeep. Properly selected plants enrich and anchor the soil, offer shade and privacy, improve air quality and provide food, medicine and beauty. Plants also slow the rainfall before it hits the ground, allowing water to evaporate into the air and reducing erosion. Another healthy practice is planting in "guilds": groups of plants that support each other's needs. Or implement "stacking functions": choosing plants that will serve multiple purposes. For example, Mike's deck is bordered by a fruit tree trained to the dimensions of a traditional porch railing. (See also "Smaller Lawns for a Healthier Planet" and "Mulch" in issue #1.)

Roofscapes are a prime surface from which to harvest water by directing gutter flow into storage containers.
Water-catchment systems range from an isolated rain barrel for occasional landscape use to tanks large enough to supply the needs of an entire building or community: an average of 50 gallons per person per day. Note: In most areas, water-catchment systems are largely unregulated, especially for landscape use. To be certain, though, check with your state's Department of Health and Public Works Department.
Rain barrels are a good place to get your feet wet with water-catchment systems. They are fairly inexpensive, and some cities subsidize their use. An Internet search using the key words "rain barrels, (your city)" will turn up government rebates or discounts offered for rain barrel kits, as well as links to local suppliers. One friend's online search uncovered a free supply of industrial barrels from a manufacturer's overrun. While rain barrels are commonly used in spring and summer to water plants and wash cars, configuring a connection to flush toilets can extend your usage into the winter months.
Tanks or cisterns (tanks with outlets at the bottom) are bigger storage containers that can be placed either above or below ground, where they operate much like wells. They are available either pre-manufactured or custom built in a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, wood or concrete. (Try Premier at 800-661-4473 or www.premierplastics.com)
Vegetated roofs, used extensively in Europe, are becoming more common in the U.S. with the growing awareness of their benefits, which include improved air and water quality, insulation and noise reduction. They provide a way to slow and reduce runoff. They also create a natural water filter, as well as habitat for birds and beneficial insects. Vegetated roofs are comprised of layers of drainage material topped with soil and plants, all resting on a durable waterproof membrane. Conventional homes can carry a 2 - 5 inch layering, depending on the materials and plants used. (See resource box.)

Hardscapes consist of surfaces like paved driveways, parking lots, sidewalks and roads. Impermeable surfaces often result in standing water and erosion and a variety of problems caused by excess run-off. Consider replacing solid surfaces with permeable ones or introduce permeable sections at the borders or interspersed throughout. Here are a few good options:
Permeable concrete is constructed using less sand and finer material than standard concrete. It has a pebbly, open surface, and the water infiltrates through the channels naturally formed between the exposed gravel. Mike demonstrated its permeability by running a stream of water through a sample from Stoneway Concrete in Renton, Washington. Call a local concrete manufacturer or try an online search with the words "permeable concrete, (your city)."
Block pavers are interlocking blocks of concrete, brick, stone or other materials that form a patterned surface, allowing water to infiltrate at the connecting edges. Some pavers are completely permeable or contain both solid and permeable sections within each paver. The UNI Eco-Stone Paving System is durable enough to support heavy vehicles. (See www.uni-groupusa.org/uni-eco-.htm.)
Grass pavers are concrete pavers with open sections that you can fill with soil and grass seed. As the grass grows, the whole surface looks like a strip of lawn but will withstand vehicle traffic. Create a do-it-yourself version by laying rectangular concrete pavers in a pattern that leaves open spaces (imagine a basket weave). Systems such as Grasscrete are laid on a concrete sub-base that collects the water for secondary use. (See www.concretenetwork.com/grasscrete/.)

Water awareness:
Large bowl in sink: Catch the overflow whenever you turn on the tap; use it on plants or to pre-rinse dishes.
Dishwashing: When washing dishes by hand, use a small basin for the soapy water. Catch the rinse water in another bowl. When the wash water gets too dirty, use the rinse water for washing.
Sink stopper: Try keeping your sink stoppers closed (think airplane bathrooms).
Bucket in shower: When running water for a shower, collect the initial cold flow in a bucket. After showering, pour it into your washing machine for the next load.
Biodegradable soaps: Use earth-friendly soaps so you can reuse the water. (See "Naturally Clean" in issue #3.)

Water-friendly fixtures:
Foot- and knee-operated water fixtures (think hand-washing station at county fairs) must be engaged for the water to flow. They're hands-free and encourage less water consumption. Try Pedal Valves at 800-431-3668 or www.pedalvalve.com.
Low-flow showerheads reduce water use, and some models can remove chlorine and other impurities.
On-demand tankless water heaters are smaller water heaters, installed at point-of-use, that only heat water when the faucet is on. They supply hot water faster, so you'll save both water and energy. Try Bosch at 800-503-5028 or www.boschhotwater.com.
Low-flow (dual-flushing) toilets save ½ - the water of a standard toilet. Try Australian-made Caroma: www.caroma.com.au. Environmental Home Center distributes their products in the U.S.: 800-281-9785 or www.environmentalhomecenter.com.
Composting toilets use no water, and when combined with a greywater system, can eliminate the need for septic or sewer hookup. Try Envirolet Composting Toilets: 800-387-5126 or www.envirolet.com.

With a little awareness and a few practical steps, revitalizing our water cycle will be off to a good start...

Resources:
Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture by Toby Hemenway

Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls
by Nigel Dunnett and Noel Kingsbury

Water Storage and Creating an Oasis with Greywater
plus its supplement Builder's Greywater Guide, by Art Ludwig

Oasis Design: 805-967-9956 or www.oasisdesign.net

Low-Impact Development (LID): 301-982-5559 or www.lowimpactdevelopment.org. Also see www.lid-stormwater.net.

LID Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound: www.psat.wa.gov/Programs/LID.htm

Contact Michael Broili with Living Systems Design at 206-546-3119 or www.lsdg.net

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