We are limited by how much rain falls every year, when it falls, and what running or ground water is available. Some sites are much more challenging than others in this regard.
For instance, if your site is in the desert with ground water 1500 feet below the surface, or not available at all because of depletion, and you have no access to surface water, your water design will need to be a lot more robust than if you live in a temperate climate with year around rain patterns.
But the point is, you can address that, with water catchment. And it’s usually easier to do than to change the slope of a steep piece of land, or a flat piece.
The hydrological system is the water cycle. How does water flow through or come to your site from every source?
Hands On Activity
Note: This activity will become part of your Site Assessment.
What is the water access on your site - how many inches of rain on average? Do you have a stream or lake on the property, a swamp, spring, or seep?
What is the nature of your underground water supply, and its source?
What is your watershed? You can find this by doing an internet search of your town name and “watershed.” There is usually some excellent information online about watersheds in the US. We encourage you to study your watershed and understand it; it’s a key aspect to resilience and regenerative design.
What is your legal access to rainwater, surface water, groundwater? Does anybody else access it as well? Is anyone in a position where they can block the water from reaching you?