Water flows through a watershed from the highest to lowest point. It travels rapidly on impermeable surfaces, like roofs and streets. To effectively utilize rainwater, treated effluent and potable household water resources we make use of passive and active water harvesting/distributing principles. The objective of these systems is to slow the water down and allow it to seep into the living landscape.

Passive Water Harvesting

Harvesting water passively requires an initial investment in assessment of the landscape and flow of water, a design and construction of a system that slows storm water down, allowing it to strategically seep into the roots of trees and shrubs, and away from structure foundations.

• Swales and Berms
• Mulch
• Pumice Wicks
• Infiltration Basin

Active Water Harvesting

Storing water in aboveground or belowground tanks allows you to draw on it when most needed during dryer times. Active systems either use gravity or pumps to direct the water to desired areas. This technique, coupled with passive design, can conserve thousands of gallons of water for your landscape needs year round.

‘Wastewater’ Reuse

Advanced wastewater treatment systems reduce groundwater contamination by processing effluent water to a level well suited for landscape irrigation. Septic systems are often laden with highly inefficient, anaerobic microbes, which often result in biomat clogging of leach fields and eventual pollution of our groundwater. Working alongside a licensed septic installer, EcoScapes configures the specialized irrigation components. This system, when connected by the licensed installer utilizes treated effluent from various brands of advanced treatment units to provide recycled water and the trace nutrients present therein to trees, shrubs and other plants. These systems are combined with specific drip irrigation methods, utilizing every drop of water from your household. We install very low maintenance mechanical systems through fully automated systems utilizing industry leading concepts of water management for landscapes.

New Installations

When designing new systems, EcoScapes always considers both active and passive principles. We design and install Single Source and Cascading Systems, always focusing on water conservation and low maintenance. Examples of Single Source systems are strictly ‘wastewater’ reuse, rainwater use or conventional irrigation from potable water sources. A Cascading System is where treated, stored effluent is utilized first and, if unavailable, captured rainwater is called then on and only in the case that neither ‘wastewater’ nor rainwater is available, a potable water source is utilized when the landscape requires watering.

Existing Systems

When working on existing systems we focus on efficiency by isolating needs for repair or providing full system overhauls. We will minimize drip pipe in planting beds by rerouting drip zones to satisfy water requirements and equalize pressure. We also trouble shoot antiquated controllers, valves and bring existing systems up to current local code requirements.