Olla (pronounced oy-ya) is Spanish for clay pot, and work as a garden irrigation system that saves water. 1

The terracotta pots are buried in the soil, and filled with water. That water then slowly seeps into the soil while being protected from surface evaporation. They may save between 60 – 70% of water when compared to the conventional watering can. 1

They are thought to have been used by humans for over 4000 years, and have seen use around the world. 2

"To maximize impact, place ollas every 2 – 3 feet in the garden. Larger ollas, with a 2 or more-gallon capacity, can be placed up to 3 – 4 feet apart." [1]

Today, there are many different options: including watering spikes, traditional style olla, and irrigation-ready olla.

Make Your Own:

If you can not afford or find a traditional Olla, you can create your own.

Supplies:

• Two plain terracotta pots
• Terracotta pot saucer/base
• Silicone glue or another sealant of your choice
• A flat rock or pot saucer

Instructions:

1. Fill the drainage hole of one of the pots with the silicone glue. Allow it to fully set.
2. Use the glue to seal top rims of the two pots together. Allow the glue to fully set.
3. Dig a hole in your garden deep enough for the top edge of the pot to be just above the soil.
4. Place in the pot so that the unfilled drainage hole is to the top. Fill in the dirt, leaving the top uncovered.
5. Fill the pot with water. This is much easier with a funnel (if you have one).
6. Place the rock or pot saucer over the hole to keep anything from falling in.

#gardening #FarmingAndGardening #farming #water #ollas #olla

Ceramic water filters became particularly popular in the 1800's in London, when poor water qualities were often reported on. [3] Since then, they spread across the world.

They are an inexpensive water filter which uses the small pore size of the ceramics to filter out impurities. You pour water into the top half, and that water slowly filters into the lower half. Since it only needs gravity and does not cost anything to run, it is a very cost-effective way of filtering water.

Some (though not all) also come with a activated carbon filter to aid in the removal of chemical contaminates (like chlorine) and/or a special silver treatment to help kill bacteria, mold, and algae. [1]

Since many people in the world do not have save drinking water or do not trust the water from their local treatment plants, these filters can provide a filtration method that does not contribute to the use of bottled water.

Note: When treating water directly from a wild water source, it is generally suggested to use a filtration method along with a method of disinfecting (such as boiling). This is because while filtering can remove many dangers, it can not remove viruses. [2]

Maintenance:

The top half should be cleaned regularly to keep the ceramic pours free of impurities. This can be done with soap and water, or just water and a bristle brush.

#water #lowtech

Grey water is waste water from your house that is not from your toilet, and is instead from things like your shower, sink, and dishwasher. Instead of letting the water go down the drain, some people are reusing their grey water to both save water and (for those with water-bills) save money.

How it typically works is that the grey water is piped into a series of natural filters, so that the result is surprisingly clean water without the use of chemicals. That water (while not drinkable) can be used to water plants.

Do note that to use this system, you must use bio-degradable detergents, soaps, and so on. Non-biodegradable products may be too harsh for your system to break down and could harm plants and wildlife.

Garden System:

Water is piped out into a filtration system series. Here is a common setup:

Course Medium:

Something to catch foods and other solids. Examples:
- A container of mulch or coconut fibre with worms. The worm castings (waste) can be removed for the garden.
- A container of sand.

Grease Trap:

The oil and geese will raise to the surface of the water as it settles, so that it can be removed from the water.
- 📺 How to make the easiest home-made grease trap by Off Gridding on a Shoestring
- 📺 How a Grease Trap Works by Southwaste Disposal LLC

Mock Wetlands:

wetland plants grown in a gravol rock medium (such as volcanic rock). The plants and microorganisms will help break down food particles and minor pollutants into harmless elements. Some wetland plants are even known to remove heavy metals.
- 📺 How to Recycle Waste Water Using Plants by Andrew Millison

Holding tank.

A tank to hold the now filtered water.

Suggested Videos:
- 📺 Simple Permaculture-Based Grey-Water Treatment System

| Source: Lawrence Fields.

Toilet System:

Some companies (such as Aqualoop are selling systems that clean your water in a reservoir within your house, so that the grey water can be used within toilets. There is little point to use potable (drinkable) water within your toilet, so these systems can save money and water.

Suggested Links:

• 🎙️ BBC: The Secrets of Greywater

#water #garden #farming #greywater