Water

Water

Water access off the grid is a complicated and expensive issue that needs to be thoroughly researched and planned for.

Water for Use
While Earth-ships rely completely on rainwater, using water collected from roof runoff and stored in a cistern or using and reusing the water throughout the home and gardens, more than 17 million homes in the United States get their water from private wells. A private well is simply a hole dug or drilled deep into the ground with a pump that draws out water from an underground source. There are many regulations that apply to private wells, so using a licensed driller with a

good reputation can save money and headaches.
People who rely on their own well water often complain about the need to be conservative with water usage, especially during the dryer months. The best way to offset this is to collect rain water with a cistern (a large aboveground or underground tank made from concrete, steel or fiberglass). Typically, water from rain gutters is channeled into the cistern and then pumped back into the home. When the cistern is higher than the home faucets, the weight of the water provides water pressure for the home without the need for a pump. But people living near major sources of pollution, like a factory or a major expressway, are advised against using a cistern to collect drinking water. (Check your groundwater as well!) It’s also best to have a roof made of clay or metal rather than wooden or synthetic shingles for collection of drinking water.
The cost of a private well ranges from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how deep you need to go. Rain water collection can cost virtually nothing or a few thousand dollars, depending how elaborate the system is.

Waste Water
A septic system is a 3,000 to 5,000 gallon

tank buried in the ground with a pipe spanning 100 feet to drain waste water into the ground. Every year or so, the septic tank needs to be emptied by a professional.

Septic System Alternative
There is a better option for those looking to live off the grid and be self reliant. Toilets use at least 1.5 gallons of water per flush. The use of a composting toilet will not only save a massive amount of water, but it can also eliminate the need for a septic system. And don’t worry about the smell - today’s composting toilet technology has advanced beyond that. If all natural biodegradable detergents and soaps are used throughout the home (laundry, dishes, body care, and such) then the gray water may be used to water plants and food. And the toilet provides valuable compost (provided the occupants eat right and are healthy).


Lifestyle Choices
Families living off the grid tend to be much more aware of energy waste. Appliances are energy efficient. Dryers are a luxury seldom used, and electronics, if they have them, are not left on in standby or instant-on mode,



drawing current. Many who live off the grid have chosen to live conservatively with a minimalistic lifestyle, a life with fewer attachments and less mind-numbing entertainment. They will tell you that this is the key to happiness.
On the other hand, in the right area with a lot of money upfront and/or a do-it-yourself attitude and a lot of forethought, it is possible to design a home that is completely off the grid, totally self reliant, and carbon neutral (or better) without the need for the occupants to be any more conservative than the average conventionally housed family.