Homesteading in the Desert Part 3

 Homesteading in the Desert

Part 3

Water Harvesting and Conservation: A lifeline in the Desert

Water is the most precious resource in any desert homestead, and managing it wisely can make the difference between thriving and struggling. In southern New Mexico, with its low annual rainfall and long periods of drought, effective water harvesting and conservation systems are essential. This section will explore practical strategies to capture, store, and reuse water, ensuring your homestead remains resilient in even the driest conditions.

Capturing Rainwater: Strategies and Systems for Efficient Water Harvesting

In the desert, every drop of rain counts. Rainwater harvesting is a straightforward and sustainable way to secure your water supply. Even in arid environments, brief but intense storms can yield significant water if captured correctly.

Basic Components of a Rainwater Harvesting System:

    1. Catchment Area: Typically, your roof serves as the primary catchment surface. Metal or smooth tile roofs are most effective, as they allow water to flow freely without absorbing it.

    2. Gutter and Downspouts: These channel the rainwater from the roof to a storage system. Ensure that gutters are well-maintained and designed to handle high volumes during sudden downpours.

    3. First Flush Diverters: These devices are crucial for desert homesteads, as they direct the first few gallons of rainwater (which may contain dirt and debris) away from the storage tank.

    4. Storage Tanks: These can range from small barrels to large cisterns, depending on your needs and space. In southern New Mexico, above-ground tanks are common, but underground cisterns can also be used to protect water from evaporation and temperature fluctuations. 

    5. Filtration and Pumping: While basic systems may only need a simple screen to filter out debris, more advanced setups can include multiple filtration stages and a pump to provide pressurized water for irrigation or household use. 

Basic Greywater System Setup

    1. Greywater Collection: Plumbing redirects water from your household drains into a separate greywater line. 

    2. Filtration and Distribution: A basic filter can remove debris before the water is sent through pipes to your garden. Some systems use mulch basins, where greywater flows into a bed of wood chips or gravel, which then filters and absorbs the water. 

    3.Distribution Networks: Perforated pipes or small-scale drip irrigation systems can spread greywater throughout a garden, particularly to drought-tolerant plants or orchards.

Safety Considerations:

    -Use biodegradable, plant-friendly soaps and cleaning products.

    -Avoid using greywater on edible plants like leafy greens, but it's generally safe for fruit trees, shrubs, and ornamentals.

    Ensure that greywater does not pool or create stagnant areas that could attract mosquitos or other pests. 

Earthworks, and Swales: Encouraging Natural Retention

Earthworks, like swales and berms, are low-cost methods for managing water on you land. Swales are shallow trenches dug on contour, designed to capture and slow down runoff during rainstorms, allowing water to infiltrate the soil rather than flowing away. 

How to Build a Simple Swale

    1.  Identify the Contour: Use an A-frame level or laser level to determine the contour lines of your property. This is where water naturally wants to flow.

    2. Dig the Swale: Dig a trench along the contour, with the excavated soil piled on the downhill side to form a berm. The swale should be level along it's length to encourage even water absorption. 

    3. Plant the Berm: One the swale is in place, plant drought-resistant shrubs, grasses, or even trees along the berm to further stabilize the soli and create a productive zone.

Benefits of Swales:

    -Captures and stores rainwater in the soil, reducing your need for irrigation.

    -Prevents erosion and helps build fertile, water-retentive soil over time.

    -Supports deep=rooted plants like fruit trees or desert-adapted perennials.

Storing and Preserving Water for Dry Periods

In the desert, you need to plan for extended dry periods. Having enough stored water to last several months can be crucial, especially if you experience a poor monsoon season. Beyond rainwater tanks, consider incorporating these strategies:

    Buried Cisterns: These offer better protections against evaporation and can store large amounts of water with minimal temperature fluctuations.

    Multiple Storage Solutions: Rather than relying on a single large tank, using multiple smaller tanks spread across your property reduces risk and offers more flexibility. 

    Water Conservation Practices: Even with stored water, efficient use is essential. Drip irrigation systems, mulching, and scheduling watering during the cooler hours of the day all help stretch your supply further, 

Coming up on Next Blog: Shelter in the Desert.