Water
Water supply
For its water supply, Monte do Casarão relies on two wells: the one is 40 metres deep, the other – which was drilled later, when we turned out to have insufficient water during the summer – is 180 metres deep. The water is pumped up to Casarão Velho, where it is first purified. Then it is pumped up into the water depot situated about 25 metres above Casa Marcanta. From there, it flows down on its own accord, back to the houses.
Purifying the water
In order to purify the water, a study was made in collaboration with Delft University of Technology and Portuguese experts into the most effective (and affordable) solution. In the end, we chose for ion exchange, a purification system based on salt.
Reusing the water
During the summer, water is scarce in large parts of the Alentejo. On Monte do Casarão we need to save water as well. That’s why we try to reuse it as much as possible. The waste water from all the houses is collected into a sewage treatment plant at Casarão Velho, treated naturally by means of gravel and reed and then given back to nature.
Watering plants
Also, the water in the showers has a destination: it doesn’t go down the drain. Instead, we collect it in a bucket, to water the plants.
Twice a year – once in spring and once in autumn – Monte do Casarão organises a painting week. The course is suitable for both beginners and advanced students. You can paint or draw using any technique and any materials you like.
Abril 8 - Abril 15
September 30 - October 7
April: Spring has arrived. All the little birds are hard at work again. We’ve always had a pair of swallows on the terrace, but this year there are three nests. And one by the kitchen, and one by the front door. We reckon they’re all related.
There are so many of them now that the sparrows no longer chase them away. Very occasionally there is a panic. Suddenly there is a sparrow in a swallow’s nest. With a bit of human intervention, that problem is quickly resolved and calm returns. But what do we mean by calm: the swallows make even more noise than the sparrows. And more mess.
