Our primary water catchment is a diversion drain placed at a 1% grade across the landscape. The diversion drain captures water flowing over the land and slowly moves it into our pond systems. Storm water from the pipe in the previous post can be emptied into the diversion drain if additional water is needed. The vegetation and soil in the diversion drain act as a natural filter removing pollutants.
The shallow slop of the diversion drain also allows water to infiltrate into the ground recharging groundwater and moderating drought on downhill vegetation much like a swale would do. The diversion drain sits 6" below grade while the downhill berm rises 8" above grade. A settling pond (low/wet spot in the middle of the picture) acts as a filtration device slowing the water flow allowing soil with attached pollutants to settle out of suspension.
Logs fully colonized by edible fungi can be placed in the diversion drain for automatic soaking during rain events reducing human labor.
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