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In-ground rainwater cisterns and how to get the water out
For awhile now, I've been contemplating if I want to harvest rainwater in a cistern and if so, do I want an above ground tank, a partially in-ground tank or a submerged tank. If partially or wholly in-ground - how to get the water out in a sustainable way? I know there are solar pumps - but I'm not yet sold on solar technology due to the amount of embodied energy used to create it. So then I'm left with hand pumps - which is definitely doable. However, today I ran across the "Shadoof" (or shaduf) - an ancient method of raising water from a river or well and dumping it out on one's fields. I find it to be functionally and architectually very interesting.
Check out these photos and websites:
From: http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/egypt/farming.htm
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Shaduf
Check out these photos and websites:
From: http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/egypt/farming.htm
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Shaduf
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by tanya on -
it is a pretty devise. At Brians house in Gisela, he has a stationary bicycle and a pump attached to a hose.
We pump the water uphill , then create a mud slide. the hose is 100 feet long, and it is not so hard to get the water flowing...
Getting your exercise while watering your veggies is double sexy!
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Permalink Reply by Don Titmus on -
O Yes....Happppppy Days...... mudslide.........cool creek......baking mud....soft skin.....
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Permalink Reply by tenacity on -
I am in EXACTLY the same place. I have several big vessels of water - and no cistern of any kind. There's so much research to do...so they sit patiently in my driveway and wait for me to make up my mind. I have a lot to consider - I'm in a semi-public place, I have alot of garden space spread out, I'm incredibly lazy, and it's very hot out right now. :::sigh::: this is an intriguing idea - less to break, that's for sure.
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