Skywells

Costa Rica has seasonal changes that vary from one region to another.  In south central mountains rain is common in 9 months and rare during 3 months.  The wet season is called the Green Season.  The dry time lasts from about December 15th to March 15th.

There is a microclimate here because water evaporates in the valley below then condensing into clouds/rain at the elevation of the estate.  Total rain fall here during the wet months is 3 to 4 meters.  Blue water tanks near the house store collected rain water.  Each tank holds 2.5 m3 which is enough for normal household usage for 2 people for one week.  The 9 tanks on site hold a 9 week supply, which is enough for 3/4 of the dry season.  An equal amount of water can be stored in the old swimming pool.  A 5 X 5 or 4 X 6 m2 tarp will gather enough water in the Wet Season to cover dry season needs (and of course Wet Season needs) for a 2 person household.  The carport roof is more than adequate to gather all of the water required for the house.  The pool is more than adequate without any covering whatsoever to collect water for the Garden Center.

We can think of the sky as our Well.

Of course, other water sources are available, but starting with what falls on roof areas offers a beautiful self-sufficiency that is not often available elsewhere.  The possibilities are endless!  If you want more buildings, no worries.  Any building can easily be set up to collect enough water for usage in that building.  This is a “best practice” that has stood the test of time for millenia.  Here it is yours and it’s free.