Pillar 2: Water Management & Food Production
Sustainable solutions that manage stormwater while providing fresh food
Serenity Village integrates water management and food production into a single, cohesive system. Rather than treating stormwater as a problem to be diverted, we harness it as a resource that supports community food production, enhances biodiversity, and creates beautiful, functional landscapes.
Key Components
Integrated Edible Rain Garden System
Our edible rain gardens serve multiple functions simultaneously:
- Stormwater Management: Absorb and filter rainwater runoff from roofs and paved areas
- Food Production: Yield fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits for residents
- Community Building: Provide shared spaces for residents to garden together
- Environmental Education: Demonstrate sustainable practices in action
The gardens are carefully designed with layers of permeable soil, sand, and organic matter that filter pollutants while retaining moisture for plant growth.
Central Drainage Pond with Aquaculture
A central pond serves as both stormwater management infrastructure and a productive aquaculture system:
- Flood Control: Accommodates excess water during heavy rainfall events
- Fish Production: Supports species like tilapia or catfish that can be harvested
- Aquatic Plants: Grows edible species like watercress while filtering water
- Ecosystem Services: Creates habitat for beneficial wildlife
The pond is designed with gentle slopes for safe access, with deeper central zones for fish habitat and shallower edges for plant growth and water purification.
Companion Planting for Low Maintenance
We employ companion planting strategies throughout our gardens to create self-sustaining ecosystems:
- Natural Pest Control: Certain plants like marigolds and basil deter pests naturally
- Nutrient Cycling: Deep-rooted plants bring nutrients to the surface for other plants
- Weed Suppression: Close plantings and ground covers minimize weed growth
- Reduced Water Needs: Proper plant combinations lower overall irrigation requirements
This approach significantly reduces maintenance time and costs, while eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Stormwater Calculations for Dual-Purpose Usage
Our system is engineered based on scientific hydrological modeling:
- Peak Flow Analysis: Calculates maximum rainfall volumes during storm events
- Infiltration Rates: Determines how quickly water will be absorbed by garden areas
- Optimal Flow Distribution: Directs appropriate amounts of water to gardens vs. pond
- Overflow Management: Creates safe pathways for excess water during extreme events
This scientific approach ensures our system meets both regulatory stormwater requirements and optimal growing conditions for plants.
Water Conservation and Reuse Systems
We maximize water efficiency through multiple conservation and reuse strategies:
- Rainwater Harvesting: Collects roof runoff in cisterns for irrigation during dry periods
- Greywater Diversion: Where codes permit, routes lightly used water to garden areas
- Smart Irrigation: Uses soil moisture sensors and weather data to optimize watering
- Drought-Tolerant Species: Includes plants that thrive with minimal supplemental water
These systems dramatically reduce potable water consumption while maintaining healthy, productive landscapes.
Benefits to Residents and Community
Fresh, Local Food
Residents have access to nutritious, pesticide-free produce steps from their doors, improving food security and nutrition while reducing grocery bills.
Lower Infrastructure Costs
Natural stormwater management reduces the need for expensive engineered infrastructure, lowering development costs that can be passed on to residents.
Community Building
Shared garden spaces foster relationships between neighbors as they work together to maintain and harvest from the gardens.
Environmental Health
Reduced runoff improves local water quality, while diverse plantings create habitat for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.
From Mary’s Experience
“The edible rain gardens, once bare soil, now flourish with vegetables and herbs, managing stormwater and bringing neighbors together for harvests. I’ve started growing tomatoes and basil near my unit, and my daughter loves helping me water and pick vegetables. It’s saved us money on groceries, plus I’ve met so many neighbors while gardening that I would never have connected with otherwise.”
— Mary, Serenity Village resident
Our Water Management & Food Production system demonstrates how thoughtful integration can transform infrastructure requirements into community assets that provide multiple benefits—from stormwater management and flood prevention to food security and social connection.