Pattern 23 · Places & Infrastructure
Circular Water Systems
Regenerative water management for resilience and ecology.
Addresses: Environmental Degradation, Infrastructure Decay, Food Insecurity
Problem
Aging water infrastructure, drought, and pollution threaten rural water security. Linear "use and dump" systems waste a precious resource.
Context
Climate change intensifies water stress. Many rural systems rely on outdated pipes, groundwater depletion, or contaminated sources. Meanwhile, rainwater and greywater go unused.
Solution
Design circular water systems that capture, store, reuse, and restore water locally. Integrate rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, wetland restoration, and watershed protection.
Implementation
- Audit current water use and identify conservation opportunities
- Install rainwater harvesting at public buildings and homes
- Pilot greywater systems for irrigation and landscape watering
- Restore wetlands and riparian buffers to filter and store water naturally
Examples
- Arizona: Rainwater harvesting mandates for new public buildings
- New Mexico: Acequia restoration integrating traditional and modern water management
- Oregon: Watershed councils coordinating conservation across private and public lands
Related Patterns
- Food Infrastructure Spine
- Eco-Adaptive Building Codes
- Commons Stewardship