It is obvious that our planet is in a water crisis. People are lacking clean water everywhere, including first world countries. We are dedicating 2018 to bring clean water systems to communities in need.
By the Grace of God we have friends that are water experts (specifically 'Isla Urbana' and 'Plenitud PR'). They have guided us along this path thus far. They demonstrated to us that rainwater is a valuable source of water. As it drops from the heavens, it is distilled water. It is potable directly from the sky. Though, when we catch it off a roof and store it in a cistern, it is best to filter the water in the case of bacterial contamination (i.e. bird poop on the roof). There are no minerals in rainwater, so it is best to remineralize it with Himalayan salt, lava rocks, clay containers, or other organic material.
Clean water is essential for life on earth. We have found that rainwater harvesting is a great option to access clean water. A properly installed system avoids reliance on the grid, government/privatized sources of water, heavy metal and chemical contamination, and a cost to the consumer. Installing rainwater harvesting systems liberates people and offer them an opportunity to live life with their own source of water.
Education is important. Everyone needs to know how to care for the systems (i.e. cleaning and troubleshooting). When individuals learn how easy the science of water captation and filtration are, they can be empowered to create and install their own system or help others.
Typically the vessel to store the water is the most expensive part of the project. The more water you wish to store, the bigger and stronger the container must be. If you want the container to last for decades, then it must be made out of a good material.
In past projects we worked with geomembrane cisterns and Polypropylene double walled cisterns. Both are examples of above ground cisterns that are effective where space is not an issue. At Ramana's Garden, where we will go in November, has limited space. As a solution, we will create an underground cistern made out of cement. This type of cistern typically has a long life, though it costs much more to make in labor and material.
We will go to Ramana's Garden at the end of October and begin breaking ground with a group of local laborers. The hole needs to be dug by hand because machines cannot reach their property. We are going to dig a space big enough to store 5-7,000 gallons of water. Imagine!
This cistern will be filled by the rain in monsoon season, and can also be filled by other sources (i.e. pumping from nearby rivers). This system will ensure that the children always have a source of clean water. Their storage capacity of water will be greatly increased. As a bonus, they will be able to expand their organic food garden!
If you want to join us in the mission to bring clean water to the children of Ramana's Garden visit: https://www.satnamfoundation.org/seva-retreat.
We are interested in helping the Native American communities in the United States with clean water systems as well. We recently received information that 40% of people living on Navaho reservations are without clean water. Please contact michaeljaidev@satnamfoundation.org if you have information or resources to share.
Thank you! Sat Nam!
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