Homestead mailing list

[EarthNSky <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net>]

Gene GeRue wrote:
> Those living in the areas most affected by current drought conditions  
> no doubt have thoughts and ideas to share. Beyond the typical partial  
> solutions of reduced consumption and heavy garden mulches, are any of  
> you trying or finding new ideas? And, what are your plans for the  
> possibility that drought conditions may persist for another year or  
> longer?

We are still having water issues.  The well guy is coming in a few hours 
to help us diagnose the problem, but methinks we need a new well.  We 
have only been getting maybe 5-10 gallons a day for a couple of weeks 
now, requiring the use of stored water to get by.  I went over to 
relatives to shower and do some laundry, but that can't last forever. 
Our well simply isn't recharging like it used to do, and I can't help 
but think that it is the result of the drought.  We know we have a 
problem with the toilet, so today we intend to buy a new one-it was on 
the building list for a 2008 bathroom remodel anyway, but I don't think 
the toilet is the real problem.
Last weekend I drained and put the rainwater collection tank on a wooden 
pier/stand to elevate it another 18".  That will help more in the long 
term for next year's garden-getting the tank up a bit higher for better 
gravity flow.  Unfortunately, we need rain to refill the tank.
If I knew for a fact that we could expect the drought to lessen and 
progress to a more rainy and wet period, then I would definitely try 
harder to ride this out, but as it is, I think it is prudent for us to 
dig a bit deeper to reveal a greater water supply.  It's to the point 
where you ask yourself whether you want to pay now(out the nose for a 
well) or pay later when there is no water at all or when the gov 
prohibits private well drilling..we don't have the option of public 
water here.

Bev
--
Bevanron of EarthNSky Farm   Sleep well tonight, for somewhere in the 
ocean's depths, MY son is protecting YOUR freedom.