Infrastructure

I compiled the thread of postings concerning community infratructure.

The problem with big communities is infrastructure. Consider sewage system and water supply. For bigger group simple latrines would not be practical and would pose a risk of water and ground pollution. Designing a reliable water supply may also pose a problem at the beginning. I maintain my own water and sewage system on my property. My septic tank and waste distribution system for one house is spread over 1 acre of land and is reliable assuming proper maintenance. It is very simple - operates on one electric pump and two tanks. Once a year it has to be cleaned - not everything is able to biodegrade. Process involves pumping up remains and dump it on the county lagoon where UV does the rest but it takes quite some time to do. Water is drawn from the well a deep one 35 feet . It needs powerful pump to bring it up. Water then is stored in a pressure tank in the house. In a field conditions placement near the river and constructing an aqueduct may be a solution for water supply. Large group will use lots of gallons of water as we do today or more.

Samsara

 

I grew up on farm. For years my family used manual pumps. (before electrical pumps)I remember watching uncles and community members take turns pounding metal pipes with sledge hammers, threading the pipe manually with a small vice held threader and connecting the 10 foot lengths of pipe by hand. When water was reached (about 65 - 100 feet) a manual pump was installed, and "primed". There was a strainer attached to the first segment of pipe that kept the pipe free of most debris and when water was reached the water would 'gush out mud, sand and small rocks that might be trapped in the pipe. I remember the water shooting off like a small oil well. The family would just let it flow until the sand stopped coming up. I remember once the sand did not stop and the well digging had to continue 20 or 30 more feet. We as children got a kick out of pumping the water. The only small problem that I remember was that you had to keep a small amount of water present at all time to prime the pump. I think that this procedure could also work after the pole shift.

Pat

 

As far as how many people should be in a "community" I would say no more than it can support. I know that's not a definite answer, but I don't think you can make a decision on that without looking a particular situation. Some areas may be able to produce more food and can sustain more people, while others can't. You might also have to look at what benefit the new arrivals will bring to the group and how well they are prepared; and if they are willing and able to pull their own weight.

Mike

 

As much as any of us plan, circumstances will change matters. You might start out with 5 families and broad skills, only to find that some up and leave or perhaps there are many at your door you simply cannot in good heart turn away. Groups may find they themselves have to go on the move, or perhaps a whole community comes over the hill, looking for a better spot. Anything is possible. My thoughts are that flexibility and mobility must be the rule, and supplies thought of as seeding this or that, rather than being this or that. Knowledge and seeds of various kinds, and I don't just mean the kind you seed. A time of tremendous change, and each change or encounter should be viewed as an opportunity.

Nancy

Offered by Pat.