Carbon Smart Water Management

Planning for a water stressed future

Wayanad is experiencing prolonged, hotter summers followed by intense rainfall that extends beyond the usual monsoon season (June to October). At Rubaiyat, an innovative water management system ensures sustainability by harvesting rainwater from rooftops and directing it, along with surface runoff, to natural perennial springs located at the property’s lowest point. These springs, in turn, recharge a large pond, two wells, and a permaculture swale. This efficient system makes Rubaiyat entirely self-sufficient in water usage throughout the year, meeting needs for household use, swimming, and crop irrigation.

1 million L

Captive water storage

250 m

Permaculture swale

25,000 sq.m

Runoff Collection

Water Management in Pictures

The pond and two wells are fed by underground springs rejuvenated by rainwater run-off

Rainwater from the roof overhangs overflow into semi-permeable surfaces along the drip edge, and follow the site's natural gradient to the basin.

The berm of the swale prevents surface runoff from entering the pond, and has many new trees nourished by the moist swale banks.

The perennial underground spring replenishes the pond water leading to constant overflow on the south end of the pond.

The pond is also replenished by direct rainwater. The surrounding surface runoff is intercepted by the swale.

The swale along the perimeter of the pond

The pond is also home to Koi carp and Tilapia, which occasionally end up being a morning snack for area birds.

Pond is where the fun is..

For adventurous swimmers, the pond offers a unique opportunity to exercise and play amidst fish and algae, all without the concerns of chlorine. Natural pond swimming is gaining popularity as an enjoyable and refreshing way to connect with nature.

Caution: Pond is very deep

Labor of Love

Among all of Rubaiyat's facilities, building the pond proved to be the most demanding. The process involved transporting equipment and materials along a slippery dirt road and excavating while crafting the temple-pond-style embankments by hand in wet, highly plastic soils.