Community-built underground reservoirs

Community-built underground reservoirs can store harvested rainwater very effectively; the water remains ice cold and although the official position is that rainwater is not potable, our experience is that it remains pristine.

There are some provisos though. Primarily the gutters, the sump and the reservoir itself must be cleaned thoroughly annually.

A caretaker

The reservoir must be secured and should not be open to the general public; children and animals can drown. A responsible person must be appointed to care for the reservoir and to apportion out the water.

Building these reservoirs provides work for the unemployed

The cost

Half the cost of the reservoir is roughly for materials and the rest for labour.

The base is made of reinforced concrete onto which a double-brick wall is built; and then plastered. Heavy gauge galvanised wire helps to retain the circular structure.

Treated poles covered with IBR sheeting complete the domed roof.

The estimated cost of a 40kL underground reservoir is about R50,000 in 2025. Fibreglassing whilst recommended to prevent all leaks is expensive.

For a wealthier community the construction workers would be paid. In a poorer society with high unemployment, an arrangement can be made that the builders would be recompensed with water and vegetables from the food garden. It becomes a project based on faith and trust for the greater good; much to be gained with nothing more potentially lost than the sweat off the crafter's brow.

4 phases

1. The hole can be dug by hand by 4 strong men in less than a week depending on the structure of the earth. Shale, large rocks and other obstacles may be encountered.
   
2. The slab, double wall and plastering can be built in another week.
3. The roof can be erected in a couple days.
   
4. Trenches have to be dug to bring sewerage 110ug conduit from the gutters and downpipes to the reservoir.
   
5. A skilled supervisor cum engineer, competent bricklayers and skilled plasterers are essential.
   

Most brick reservoirs leak unless fibreglassed

The community has to buy into this project

Most South Africans have become accustomed to spending long hours waiting and queuing for water of uncertain quality. A community-built underground reservoir would solve many of their troubles.

For a community that can clearly see the benefits of clean water for their homes in the immediate area, a large vegetable garden to supply their creche and local school children with bellies filled with healthy food, the benefits are enormous for a people used to severe shortages.

During the rainy season large amounts of free, pristine water would be available to the community; during the dry season most would be retained for the vegetable gardens and the creche.

Electric pumps and syphons can be considered.

Community-built underground reservoirs

Community-built underground reservoirs can store harvested rainwater; to supply homes and gardens dependent on irrigation in the dry season.

Newsletter

Our newsletter is entitled "create a cyan zone" at your home, preserving both yourself and Mother Earth for future generations; and the family too, of course. We promise not to spam you with daily emails promoting various products. You may get an occasional nudge to buy one of my books.

Here are the back issues.

Did you find this page interesting? How about forwarding it to a friendly book or food junkie? Better still, a social media tick would help.

Address:

56 Groenekloof Rd,

Hilton, KZN

South Africa

Website:

https://www.bernard-preston.com

Create a Cyan Zone at your home; one which complements blue areas for longevity with green for protecting Mother Earth.