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
March: the mimosa is in bloom. A little later than usual, but that's probably due to the bad weather. Everywhere you look, it's yellow and the air is heavy with the scent of mimosa. Mimosa is an invasive exotic species and originates from Australia.
It is considered a weed here. It is therefore not for sale. It just grows.
But it is beautiful!
