Resources

Web Resources

www.oceanarks.org: An excellent resource with tons of basic information regarding ecological water magement systems.

www.harvestingrainwater.com: an accessible resource that explains what water harvesting is, how to do it appropriately, and how to modify it to the unique conditions of your own site.

www.attra.ncat.org: ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and is funded under a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Business-Cooperative Service. It provides information and other technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, Extension agents, educators, and others involved in sustainable agriculture in the United States. (ATTRA was formerly known as the "Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas" project.).

www.waterrecycling.com: IWS (Integrated Water Strategies), developes systems that recycle wastewater and stormwater for residences, businesses, industry and institutions. Their projects issue responsibility in water management by offering at-the-source treatment and maintain environmental integrity by using low-impact technology.

www.constructedwetlands.org/cw: This website is designed and maintained by Environment Probe, a division of Energy Probe Research Foundation. Its purpose is to provide information on the design, construction, operation, maintenance and benefits of constructed wetlands and to show how this green technology can be used for both low cost wastewater treatment and nature conservation.

www.bae.ncsu.edu/programs/extension/wqg: The North Carolina State University (NCSU) Water Quality Group is a multidisciplinary team that analyzes and conducts natural resource management programs with an emphasis on nonpoint source (NPS) pollution policy, assessment, and control technologies.

www.nesc.wvu.edu/nsfc_regulations.htm#Regs_Database: NESC (National Enviornmental Services Center) exists to assist small and rural communities with their drinking water, wastewater, environmental training, solid waste, infrastructure security, and utility management needs.

Book Resources

Describes how cylindrical water storage tanks of up to 150 cubic meter capacity can be built using wire-reinforced cement-mortar. Covers design and planning; costs; standard, recommended and alternative construction methods, and other information.

This is a very wide-ranging introduction to the concepts of rainwater harvesting which is both very informative and personally fun to read.

The best book on the subject

This book is a good start to building your own pond. I would suggest it as a inexpensive first step to pond building.

A good book from a pro. Very useful.

The aquaculturalist's bible-for the novice and professional, covering all freshwater species and how best to raise them. Includes pond construction and repair, water quality and chemistry, breeding, fertilization, shipment, diseases, marketing, legal restrictions, and integration with plants and farm life.

ONe of ht ebest illustrated books on the subject!

This book emphasizes the importance of social, economic, and environmental considerations when planning and implementing projects. For rural development workers, it aims to fill the gap in existing literature on the gathering and storage of water.

This beautiful book remains scientifically accurate while describing in poetic and spiritual style the flowing of fluids in nature. A beautiful collection of pictures illustrates how even living things follow the rules of fluid flow as new cells flow forth in the growth process.

Details the principles, techniques and systems for sustainable development of rural and urban landscapes. Keyline methods enable the rapid development of deep biologically fertile soil by converting subsoil into living topsoil. Keyline pattern cultivation enables the rapid flood irrigation of undulating land without terracing while the Keyline Scale of Permanence provides a priority guide to planning the various factors of broad scale development.

Composting toilet systems and other ecological wastewater management methods are increasingly installed in both seasonal and year-round homes, as municipalities require systems that won't pollute the environment and drinking water. This book details why—and how to choose, install and maintain them.

"Create an Oasis" describes how to quickly and easily choose, build, and use a simple greywater system. Some can be completed in an afternoon for under $30.

The Toilet Papers is an informative, inspiring, and irreverent look at how people have dealt with their wastes through the centuries. In a historical survey, Van der Ryn provides the basic facts concerning human wastes, and describes safe designs for toilets that reduce water consumption and avert the necessity for expensive and unreliable treatment systems.