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Off-Grid Water Solutions - Homesteading and Prepping Techniques for Sustainable Living

8/11/2023

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Off-Grid Water Solutions - Homesteading and Prepping Techniques for Sustainable Living

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC! We're on a dual mission here - not only is this our training ground but it also serves as part of our series exploring homesteading and prepping for the majority – those who make up 99% of society. This exciting journey will take us through various aspects related to these topics so stay tuned in!

We've embarked on a self dug well project using machinery that we have leased for the past eight months. Previously our attempts with six inch pipes resulted in wells without sufficient reservoir capacity. To rectify this issue we constructed a well featuring a 55 gallon container at its base and supplemented it with twelve to eighteen inch culvert pipes. This design should enable us to store approximately one hundred sixty gallons of groundwater or more. Our goal is to ensure adequate water supply during times when rainfall may be scarce or unpredictable. We are confident that this approach will prove successful as we continue working towards achieving sustainability goals within our community.

Our location has become a hub for diverse activities - from bird dog training and church revivals to Boy Scout retreats. However we remain committed towards harnessing groundwater especially for supplying water into the farthest end of our property where we have set up an aviary pen as well as feeding our flushing outhouse which is showcased on YouTube channel. Our focus remains unwavered in this regard!

The landscape has undergone significant changes with ponds dug out and land cleared. Preparations for fieldwork and planting are also in progress at our well digging operation site. Stay tuned as we explore further into this exciting project!

The foundation of our new design is a 60 gallon screw top pickle barrel that once held gherkin pickles sourced from India and shipped to Canada before arriving in the US. Despite its former purpose this food grade container still carries traces of its past life as an essential component for creating delicious condiments. To enhance functionality we drilled holes into it forming a grid pattern which allowed us to attach another food safe bucket at the bottom end. This modification enables pumps and pipes running down through these openings while keeping out any unwanted sand particles during filtration processes. With such innovative thinking behind every aspect of our project we are confident about achieving optimal results!

To enhance the efficiency of our pickle barrels we've added double wall corrugated pipes on top. These pipes have been punctured with holes for water collection which ensures effective groundwater storage. This innovative design is sure to make a difference in how efficiently we collect and store rainwater.

Our aim is to create a 16 foot water column that can hold approximately 125 gallons of reserve water. We've designed this structure using four inch pipes initially which could only store around six and half gallons at any given time. To ensure efficient functioning we plan on introducing solar powered pumps for drawing up the required amount from ground level into our tower through gravity feed systems. This innovative approach will serve both purposes - flushing off grid commodes within outhouses as well as providing fresh drinking sources for birds kept inside cages or pens. With these efforts towards sustainability, we hope to make significant progress towards achieving environmental goals while also meeting essential needs effectively.

We prioritized ensuring the well was stable and straight during installation. Our efforts paid off when we measured a water level of four feet from the wellhead after two days - confirming our estimation for its capacity at 125 gallons. We're thrilled with these results!

Though not your typical hand dug well, using a substantial machine for excavation makes this option an economical choice when considering sustainable water solutions during land clearing. This approach is perfectly aligned with our series on homesteading and prepping geared towards the majority of people interested in these topics. By adopting such measures we can all contribute to creating more environmentally conscious communities while also ensuring accessibility to clean drinking water sources.

We appreciate your support as we continue on this path. Stay tuned for future updates and thank you again!

Visit us at:  Carolina Homestead Planner.   Be sure to contact us so we can help you with all your homestead planning and survival shelters.



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Building a Spring Water Dam for Cabins in Tennessee: A Step-by-Step Overview

8/10/2023

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Building a Spring Water Dam for Cabins in Tennessee: A Step-by-Step Overview

Welcome back to Base Camp WNC. We're currently in the beautiful state of Tennessee, working on an intriguing project. An ambitious individual is constructing a property with 16 cabins, and a significant part of this project is fueled by spring water. Let's dive deeper into the nuances of this undertaking.

At the heart of the property lies a dam, with a little bleaching pipe tucked away, soon to be covered with more rock for erosion control. An overflow line ensures the system's balance, channeling the surplus water.

The homeowner has impressively crafted his own spring water dam and a sediment tank. One of the standout features is the backdrop sound of machinery, notably a skid loader and a mini excavator. The owner even utilized a buggy to haul rock, eliminating the tedious task of carrying heavy buckets. A local friend is also assisting by embedding the pipe within the stream.

The area where we have laid the water line is a work in progress. The plan is to dig a trench and seamlessly integrate it into the terrain. Remarkably, the water system was constructed using a five-gallon container, and I contributed by designing a filter system. The spring currently feeds into the tank at about a gallon per minute, but this rate improves as it gradually makes its way through the rock.

The water source itself is fascinating. Streams jet out from various points, with the main aim to construct a dam surrounding the primary source. The homeowner brilliantly used instructions from my website, granting us about six feet to work with. As we progress, our goal is to ensure we don't accidentally obstruct any spring heads.

In addition to the dam wall, we've set up an overflow line. The owner crafted the dam wall and all the fittings and even constructed a spring box with hinges. My contribution included the filter systems, ensuring clean water flows downstream.

To prevent freezing, we're planning to dig a line at the base of the creek bed. This water system is intended to supply Airbnb glamping cabins. It's a rare treat when the landowner provides resources like a buggy and access to spring heads. The entire system is carefully graded to ensure proper flow, with the last stage involving filling up a reservoir.

One of the challenges we faced involved managing the inflow of water. Due to the proximity of the road, the water line is positioned just a few inches beneath. Nevertheless, future infrastructure work, such as installing a power line, will require modifications to this setup.

As a frame of reference, the spring follows a natural creek, leading to the water tank with only a 10-foot drop. With the spring's current output of a gallon a minute and the tank's capacity being 1100 gallons, it will take approximately 18 hours to fill the tank.

In conclusion, this project showcases the intricacies of harnessing nature to create a sustainable water supply for multiple cabins. If you're considering a similar project or need guidance on developing a spring on your property, feel free to reach out. Whether you need assistance through images, online consultations, or require hands-on services, we're here to help. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. Thank you for tuning in, and stay tuned for our next adventure!

Visit us at:  Carolina Homestead Planner.   Be sure to contact us so we can help you with all your homestead planning and survival shelters.



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Revitalizing a Mid-20th Century Spring Fed House and Cistern Refrigerator System

8/7/2023

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Revitalizing a Mid-20th Century Spring Fed House and Cistern Refrigerator System

Base Camp WNC recently completed a remarkable project involving the revitalization of an old spring fed homestead dating back to either mid or late 1960s. This site once served as home for Danny and his family who owned it at that time; they used its water supply for their house, cistern, and unique refrigerator system. Thanks to Danny's expertise in construction work he played a crucial role in bringing this historical landmark back into useable condition again today! With Base Camps efforts combined with Dan's know how - history has been preserved while providing modern convenience simultaneously.

In times gone by the spring was confined within a brick structure on three sides - back, left and bottom with solid rock occupying its right side. Nonetheless during this project both front sections of said structure were dismantled without hindering water flow from reaching old homesteads cistern as well as refrigerator box situated in basement corner for cooling purposes. Despite these changes made over time nature continues to provide us with fresh drinkable H2O through natural means like springs!

The gravity fed water system from the spring house stretches for almost 800 feet downhill to reach its destination at an old house. Black poly pipe, which was likely introduced during the sixties period is used as a means of facilitating this extensive network. This technology has stood strong over time and continues to provide reliable service even today. With such advanced engineering techniques being employed in constructing these systems it's no wonder why they continue working flawlessly even after decades have passed by!

The original property that Danny acquired had some interesting features. Two chimneys and a small foundation were among them. The house also boasted an impressive concrete cistern with running water capabilities thanks to its drainage system at the bottom of it. This feature was further enhanced by means of an overflow pipe inside which redirected any excess liquid back towards nearby streams in order prevent messes from occurring. These unique elements are still visible today despite all changes made over time!

One of the most intriguing aspects about this property is its spring fed refrigerator. This innovative system utilized cold water from nearby springs to maintain a temperature around 50 degrees Fahrenheit inside the fridge itself. By partially submerging items like butter in said water they could remain fresh and cool for longer periods than would otherwise be possible without modern technology. Its truly remarkable how far we've come since then!

This project serves as a reminder of past innovative solutions and their potential applications in the present. With just some effort you could replicate this system yourself with ease by using running springs to create your own spring fed refrigerator! Base Camp WNC is always willing to provide assistance along the way - don't hesitate reach out for help or guidance when needed. As always we appreciate likes, shares ,and subscriptions from our viewers like you who make it all worthwhile. Thank you so much for watching!



Visit us at:  Carolina Homestead Planner

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