Water

Water from natural resources

You can either use rainwater tanks or a natural well.

Again, our ancestors used to use natural wells for centuries. The problem is that with all the extended agriculture and industries in developed countries, the water in your well might not be drinkable any more. Unless you build your house in a nature protected area, you should test your well water regularly to ensure the quality of the water.

In regards to rainwater tanks, you should design your roof to collect as much rainwater as possible. Depending on where you build your house you can be nearly self-sufficient (if it rains often enough) or at least reduce use of public water supply as much as possible. That depends if you build your house for example in Dubai, or in the Netherlands.

Reducing water consumption and recycling

You can reduce water consumption by using ultra-low flush toilets, low flow shower heads, you can even use bidets to eliminate the use of toilet paper.

Recycling water is another step to make your home more sustainable. Water from your shower and from your sinks can be redirected to your toilet, and can be reused in toilet flushing. This requires dual plumbing. After flushing your toilet you can also decide to reuse your water for the garden, if you have one