Decentralized Water Systems & Rainfall Challenges at Lake Atitlán with Jeremy Fellows cover art

Decentralized Water Systems & Rainfall Challenges at Lake Atitlán with Jeremy Fellows

Decentralized Water Systems & Rainfall Challenges at Lake Atitlán with Jeremy Fellows

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In episode 116 of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac Harkin is joined by Permaculture Canada and special guest Jeremy Fellows. They speak to Jeremy about building water catchment systems, working with extreme seasonal rainfall patterns, and developing decentralized water filtration projects in a lakeside community facing untreated wastewater challenges.Jeremy shares his journey from Massachusetts to Lake Atitlán, where he has been living for around fourteen years. Over that time, he has focused on hands-on projects, particularly around water systems. His work began with building practical solutions such as permanent water systems and catchment setups, shaped directly by the environmental conditions he encountered.A key theme in the conversation is the sharp seasonal contrast in water availability. For part of the year, there is no water, followed by six months of consistent rainfall. This cycle creates both scarcity and abundance, requiring systems that can store and manage water effectively across the year. Jeremy explains how this challenge opened up opportunities to design systems that respond directly to these conditions.The discussion also explores the development of In episode 116 of the Permaculture Vine Podcast, Cormac Harkin is joined by Permaculture Canada and special guest Jeremy Fellows. They speak to Jeremy about building water catchment systems, working with extreme seasonal rainfall patterns, and developing decentralized water filtration projects in a lakeside community facing untreated wastewater challenges.Jeremy shares his journey from Massachusetts to Lake Atitlán, where he has been living for around fourteen years. Over that time, he has focused on hands-on projects, particularly around water systems. His work began with building practical solutions such as permanent water systems and catchment setups, shaped directly by the environmental conditions he encountered.A key theme in the conversation is the sharp seasonal contrast in water availability. For part of the year, there is no water, followed by six months of consistent rainfall. This cycle creates both scarcity and abundance, requiring systems that can store and manage water effectively across the year. Jeremy explains how this challenge opened up opportunities to design systems that respond directly to these conditions.The discussion also explores the development of https://www.granjatzikin.com/ a permaculture farm located in the valley of San Marcos on Lake Atitlán. This site acts as a central hub for ongoing projects and experimentation, supporting the practical work Jeremy describes.From there, the conversation shifts toward current efforts in decentralized water filtration. These projects are being developed in response to increasing pressure on the lake due to population growth. As more people settle in the area, the impact on the local water system becomes more visible.One of the core issues highlighted is the lack of wastewater treatment. Wastewater is entering the lake without processing, contributing to environmental degradation. This creates an urgent need for localized, practical solutions that can be implemented at a community level.Jeremy also points to a gap in understanding around water reuse. There is limited awareness that water can be reused after treatment, which slows adoption of alternative systems. Addressing this perception is part of the broader challenge.The episode stays grounded in real conditions, focusing on what is actually being built and tested. Rather than abstract ideas, the conversation centres on systems that respond directly to the constraints of place, climate, and community.Overall, this episode looks at how water challenges can drive practical design work. It highlights the role of decentralized systems, local action, and adapting to real environmental patterns., a permaculture farm located in the valley of San Marcos on Lake Atitlán. This site acts as a central hub for ongoing projects and experimentation, supporting the practical work Jeremy describes.From there, the conversation shifts toward current efforts in decentralized water filtration. These projects are being developed in response to increasing pressure on the lake due to population growth. As more people settle in the area, the impact on the local water system becomes more visible.One of the core issues highlighted is the lack of wastewater treatment. Wastewater is entering the lake without processing, contributing to environmental degradation. This creates an urgent need for localized, practical solutions that can be implemented at a community level.Jeremy also points to a gap in understanding around water reuse. There is limited awareness that water can be reused after treatment, which slows adoption of alternative systems. Addressing this perception is part of the broader challenge.The episode stays grounded in real conditions, focusing on what is actually being built and tested. Rather than abstract ideas, the ...
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