> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.liminalvillage.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.liminalvillage.com/protocols/household/water-collection.md).

# Water Collection

Rainwater is the primary water source at Liminal Village. Collecting and retaining it well is what keeps the gardens alive through the dry season.

For a full picture of how water moves through the property — roofs, waterfall, lake, pond, pump, and irrigation zones — watch the water system walk-through in the [Irrigation](/protocols/gardening/irrigation.md) protocol.

## How Collection Works Today

* Rain falling on the roofs runs off through the waterfall down into the **bottom lake**. This path currently loses a significant amount of water along the way.
* The **main pond** is the working reservoir: the pump station draws from it to feed the outdoor faucets and the irrigation zones.
* The planned upgrade is to capture clean roof water in a **new lined pond** and improve the bottom lake's retention, moving toward a closed-loop, filtered system.

## Everyone's Part

* Keep gutters and runoff paths clear of leaves and debris, especially in autumn.
* Report leaks, blockages, or unusual water levels in the pond or lake to the stewards.
* Don't leave open containers of standing water around — they breed mosquitoes (see the [Mosquitoes](/protocols/animals/mosquitoes.md) protocol).
* Collected water is **not drinkable**: only outlets on the tap-water lines are safe to drink from. Keep outlets labeled.

## Using Collected Water

* Garden and orchard irrigation is the primary use.
* Washing tools, outdoor areas, and construction uses are fine.
* In dry periods, follow the priorities in the [Irrigation](/protocols/gardening/irrigation.md) protocol: trees and olives first.

Every drop we retain on the land is a drop we don't need to draw from elsewhere. If you have ideas or energy for improving the collection system, bring them to the garden team.


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