Article 5: First lessons: when the water table plays tricks

While digging the excavation for the tanks, we quickly discover that there is a lot of groundwater on the plot. We had not really anticipated that. After just one night, there is already 1 metre of water at the bottom of the pit. The 5-tonne tank we have just set down? It is floating peacefully in the water, like a giant ice cube.

On the one hand, it is rather good news: we have a water source available for the project. But it is also a problem that needs to be solved quickly.

A surprise for the neighbours

There is another thing to consider: our neighbour also collects water from an underground spring on his land. When we dig our excavations, his spring dries up. Not ideal for keeping good relations with the neighbourhood.

A practical solution

We decide to install a collection well in the same excavation where we placed one of the tanks. That way, we can collect the water for our own needs. To let the water flow towards the neighbours, we backfill with large stones around the well. These pebbles let the water through and, we hope, will allow it to find its way to the neighbour’s place.