This is an episode about rocks.
Specifically, it’s about lining the sides of steep-sided passive water harvesting basins with rocks. This will prevent erosion during heavy downpours.
The secret? Don’t just place your rocks on the ground. Instead, build a trench for each one. Think of this trench as a nest for the rock to snuggle into.
Safety Tip #1: “Rock nests” are built in order to keep your rockwork firmly in place.
And don’t assume that people won’t walk on your rockwork. If your rockwork is in a publicly accessible place, they will. It’s your job to keep those people safe.
Safety Tip #2: Safety also includes calling 811 before you dig. You don’t want to strike an underground utility line.
Exception to the Above Rules: If your rockwork isn’t in a publicly accessible place, feel free to just place the basin-edge rocks on the ground. That’s what I did with the backyard basin shown in the above photo.
For one thing, this isn’t a passive water harvesting basin. It’s the overflow basin for my 1,500-gallon cistern and it won’t be subject to rapid inflows. The overflow outlet is beneath the green cleanout cover plate shown in the bottom center of the photo.
The there’s the pomegranate tree that’s just west of this overflow basin. It’s growing rapidly, and I expect that within a year, its branches will completely cover the basin. I seriously doubt that anyone will be stomping on a pomegranate tree in my fenced-in backyard.
Another Learning Opportunity!
Check out Martha’s new audiobook and eBook, Water Harvesting 101. It will help you get your water harvesting journey off to a strong start.