We recently set up a semi-permanent trailer, with the intention of diverting water with a branched drain system from just the sink and shower to what is currently an unlandscaped plot measuring only about 350 square feet. Two people will be living there. We did an initial infiltration test and it seemed to drain okay. As we dug deeper, we noticed more clay than we first thought. Do these parameters seem enough for the water we’ll produce? Any tips for making the most of that small space to assure adequate infiltration?
- Evan Wiig asked 3 years ago
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Hi Evan,
It seems like your space is sufficient. To prevent over saturation of the soil I would start by being water efficient inside your home. Use a 1 or 1.25 gallon/minute shower head. Estimate how much greywater you produce, and remember that each gallon of water needs a square foot of area in clay soils. So, if you produced 30 gallons a day, you’d need minimum of 30 square feet of mulch basins.
It’s better to spread out the water to more locations, so I’d have at least 4 outlets for your system, maybe 6 depending on how much water you generate.
Planting around the outlets will also help, since the plants will soak up the greywater.
Good luck with your system!
- Laura answered 3 years ago
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Thanks, Laura! Super helpful (and reassuring). By the way, loved your book. Such a great resource all around.
- Evan Wiig answered 3 years ago
- Thanks Evan!
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