How to Rescue a Sinking Water Table

Permaculture Instructor Andrew Millison explains the different types of aquifers and the overall strategy for recharging depleted water tables.
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[@jaymacpherson8167]

Excellent description of the concept which is presented in the latter half of the video. Regarding the first half of the video, I wish to emphasize that terminology for aquifers refers to gross characteristics. The various categories are not absolute as some of this video content implies. I have added some clarifications as follow… 1:10 Springs can originate from unconfined and confined aquifers. 1:35 Unconfined aquifers do not have to follow the topography of the land, tho they often do. 1:45 Unconfined aquifers are not necessarily connected to streams, rivers, and wetlands. They may have no streams, rivers or wetlands above or adjacent to them. 2:05 Confined aquifers do not necessarily have “rock” below and above them. Confinement may be due to low permeability materials, such as clay. 3:00 When water flows naturally out of a well above ground, it is called “flowing artesian.” Artesian simply refers to water level that rises after first encountered below grade, which is also the defining characteristic for a confined condition. 4:29 Rain and snow runoff will infiltrate. The issue is what proportion infiltrates versus that which runs off, and is the groundwater withdrawal larger than that which infiltrates?

[@amillison]

Thanks, I appreciate the expert commentary. It's true that there are a lot of generalizations in the video, and I'm not a trained hydrologist. So I appreciate the detailed clarifications.

[@jaymacpherson8167]

@@amillison Thank you for the gracious reply Andrew.

[@julietteyork6293]

Are you available as a consultant?

[@jaymacpherson8167]

@@julietteyork6293 I am retired on disability, and the insurance company subtracts any money I earn from what they owe me. Regardless, I am happy to help if possible. How would we communicate, as I don’t think we should post email or phone numbers in KZbin?

[@culbinator]

You're an absolute legend Andrew. Your visuals, combined with your accurate and concise explanations, are a cherished resource for this generation, and many generations to come as we heal the planet, and in turn heal ourselves.

[@laletemanolete]

Im a teacher on enviromental science and I am designing some of my PowerPoints inspired by your beautiful videos. Saludos desde México

[@Naturehack]

Yeah treat ground is dead you don't even know what the longest tap Root is on Earth Every tail is a groundwater killed Mr COLONizationER Keep sticking children's heads up Santa's ho ho Mr 2022 dodo

[@amillison]

Excellente!

[@jaysonparkhurst7422]

Speaking of Mexico, this video is interesting! kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmfKqopmq7qgjNU

[@laletemanolete]

@@jaysonparkhurst7422 yes! That one is really cool!

[@marsza8169]

Can I possibly ask you to access your PowerPoint anywhere? I am in Mexico and trying to explain the process to the locals but my Spanish is still limited. PowerPoint in Spanish would be the amazing tool for me on this quest...🙏🤗

[@Alex_Plante]

Amazing video!. I am a civil engineer, and I have never seen such a clear explanation of aquifers.

[@astemet]

Its just logics... not teacher knowledge or anything..

[@rdchinn]

This is pretty close to my field of specialization, and while it's obviously much more technically nuanced than one can cover in a 9-minute KZbin video, there's absolutely no doubt that you make the very best diagrams I've ever seen on the subject matter of your discussions. Great diagrams convey complex topics easily, and easy comprehension promotes public advocacy. You're doing much more here than just educating and drawing pretty pictures. Your work is phenomenal, and you're making a difference.

[@amillison]

Thank you so much for the kind words. And thank you for watching. :)

[@samuelmonteon1430]

Between my ADHD and my shortened attention span due to social media, I rarely watch videos through, but I have been watching your videos for some time and almost always watch from start to finish. Thorough, educational, easy to understand. Thank you for your clarity and illustrations, the work you're doing is so important for education of the masses.

[@realheadhunters-gtav]

I agree. I watch a lot of educational videos and Andrew does it right.

[@tamasdombi2122]

In a time when we are bombarded with so much bad news I really appreciate the positive (solution oriented-ness) of your videos!

[@colindevane]

Using your vids with my classes, absolutely love your inspiring work, thank you!

[@user-nb5sr7by6y]

This video should be made available in many languages. Excellent work.

[@danielkrajnik3817]

I appreciate the time you took to draw this diagram by hand

[@mars54mars54]

your videos are such a gift... so satisfying, easy to understand, deeply inspiring.

[@clairegordon8475]

Totally agree! 🌳

[@Aditya-vu4ey]

Exactly!!❤

[@BhanuParappa]

Thank you for doing this, my concepts about how ground water works becomes clearer by every video I watch of yours.

[@kristinyannone8326]

andrew's videos are fascinating and instructive.

[@gremservicios9285]

I want to make a proyect of planting trees in my city and your videos have been very help full

[@ethanlanier4359]

All True Comments. Wish you were in AZ so I could have your help laying out my desert property.

[@miguel5785]

These videos are very well explained and extremely relevant for everyone to understand some of the most pressing issues that we face in this century. Thank you!

[@joshuagerlach6943]

I’ve been working on this for 3 years now with just a shovel & pickaxe swales with pond liners on the low end it’s starting to work , wild ferns, mosses, frogs , lizards Are all coming back the trees are looking healthy

[@richard8242]

Good work, Thankyou for doing it

[@alfonsoduran6910]

Your hard work is really appreciated❤

[@nemeziz_prime]

Amazing video 🔥 it explains so much in so less time 🙏🏻

[@arthurnanni8286]

Great job colleague! I visited a good experience on South Australia. The Aldinga ecovillage, has a system to retain run-off and stimulate the infiltration of waters to a karst hydrogeological system. In Brazil we are researching some small farms who are called "water planters". They make little digs (dry boxes) overpassing the B soil horizon to access the C horizon (more permeable) and recharge phreatic waters aiming to keep springs working on the dry season.

[@b_uppy]

This video commentary wouldn't be complete without mentioning Brad Lancaster and all the research he has done. His website and his YT videos are a great resource. A few months ago he had a video about a ranch that created a bunch of check dams, and how the water quality, etc were improved in the valley with the check dams compared to the valley next door. One of the creeks was Turkey Creek and both were featured on the USGS site, but the USGS site lacks Brad's thoughtful commentary for improvement (less maintenance requirements). Gully repair is important to watertable recharge.

[@JvariW]

Links?😊

[@b_uppy]

@@JvariW Just type in Brad Lancaster. His YT channel goes by his name. Type in up harvesting rainwater and Brad Lancaster to find his other stuff. It's easy to find. It is fabulous.

[@JvariW]

@@b_uppy thank you

[@b_uppy]

@@JvariW You bet! Visit his website monthly because he is always changing it up and keeping it interesting. It's water Harvesting pron, lol.

[@autoplcandarduino]

You are the best presenter I have ever seen before

[@amillison]

Thanks 🙏

[@FeraAcademy]

Thank you for making such wonderful videos. This is what the world needs! Sharing and absorbing what I can. Thank you.

[@kentershackle1329]

Jakarta needs to listen to this.....

[@claudiomateus3349]

I have to thank you for giving me such quality of knowledge. I always watch your videos and try to apply in my land. Big thank you from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@ronthomas3029]

What an outstanding presentation! I have 4 acres in Prescott Valley and I'm interested in slowing the escape of the monsoon water and snow runoff on my property for the benefit of all the wells in the area, including my own. So far I've planted 33 trees and shrubs and there will be more! Thank you for you're insight.

[@amillison]

Ha, Prescott Valley! I spent a lot of time there

[@yogaforsuccess]

Thank you for a very detailed explanation.

[@patrickreider9552]

Your knowledge is invaluable. Thank you so much for putting all of this information out here for free, I learn so much from your videos

[@planttrials4636]

I just love love love watching your videos!! I’m gathering information on all of this topic to use on some land I’m planning to purchase. Thanks so much for the skills and knowledge you are so willing to share!

[@joaovox]

Thank you and greetings from Portugal.

[@arod684]

This info really can change the world. I wish I could implement some of this in my area on a wide scale. For now it will just be my backyard.

[@ericmaclaurin8525]

Good Stuff! California needs to do this on a lot of public lands but we also have to look at our farm and other subsidies to make sure they only go to people and companies that incorporate these concepts. We can not only store more in aquafers than we can now store in reservoirs but it's also collected and stored on a local level without pipes and canals. A big investment in aquafer recharge also makes relevant a set of new laws that charge for commercial aquafer withdrawal so that the people who use the water pay for it. Catching water that would otherwise quickly flow into the ocean & recharging aquafers with it could combine with pumps and canals that take water just before it enters SF bay & also used to recharge aquafers could easily pay for itself if it's done right and would be far more cost effective and environmentally friendly than adding above ground reservoirs. Part of accepting this science also means that we have to urgently stop the canals that take inland desert water to the coast. LA should be required to build desalination plants and restore the Owens valley watershed.

[@darinbennett3638]

Andrew, thanks for taking the time to explain that this system works on any geography, size, and location. I own an acre in a US subdivision with a slope from back to front of the land and want to slow down water shed for the gardens and green-up my lawn. You've taken what seems to be a complex issue and have put it in laymen's terms for the homeowner...thanks!

[@cheryls.2601]

Great video, the way you explained everything, makes it easier to understand.

[@waykeeperfarmandnerdery]

I love your use of visuals and the hat, belt, shoes analogy is super helpful too!

[@emiiliaolausson5559]

Thank you for the excellent video! I use it in my PC classes.

[@MrTree0007]

Brilliant. It occurred to me as you were introducing the concept to wonder if perhaps aquifer depletion has a greater impact on sea level rise than ice melt. For the most part, if water remains water (law of conservation of matter so long as nothing happened to break it down or get added to H2O), the total amount of water in the earth’s ecosystem would be more or less constant so if we are depleting aquifers as a result of our usage patterns, it has to go somewhere, and downhill is the most obvious.

[@amillison]

But simultaneously more ocean water is being evaporated into the atmosphere with warming temperatures. So not sure where the balance settles out

[@MrTree0007]

Of course. Things are considerably more complex than some would like us to consider. I think we all should be able to agree we have a damaged water cycle at minimum.

[@b_uppy]

@@MrTree0007 And than mitigation, building resilience is desirable weather one thinks it is human caused climate change or a twenty year flood/drought/heatwave event...

[@b_uppy]

@Derek Thille And than mitigation, building resilience is desirable weather one thinks it is human caused climate change or a twenty year flood/drought/heatwave event...

[@QuixoticStraightShooter]

An intelligent and understandable explanation. Bravo. We can contribute individually if we own rural land, but government really has to get involved.

[@TheRedneckjim]

I currently live in Prescott, AZ. I never knew we get our water from the big chino wash area. very interesting, I wonder how the more housing development in the area and pressure on aqua fir will effect the headwaters of the Verde river.

[@amillison]

It will negatively affect Verde River flow for sure! I moved away 15 years ago so I never kept track of the pipeline plan from the Big Chino, but all the water for Prescott is taken from the groundwater that feeds the Verde

[@callister4941]

start collecting rainwater and try and tell others!!

[@josephhoward4697]

It breaks my heart to hear that Prescott is developing so quickly. I step away for just a few years and the population/housing market explodes. Sad too that it seems to be poorly-executed sprawl. I got the same problem in the town where I currently reside. I’ve been in this town longer, and I have watched poorly-executed sprawl go wrong so fast. I’m in a slightly larger town just outside of the California Bay Area. A lot of folks are moving out to the suburban towns, like mine. The drought has been tough, but I think the extra straws in the water hole have had a lot to do with the severity of our particular situation. One thing I have noticed about California is the roads. Everybody loves to talk about the crappy roads, myself included. However, if you stick around a for few years and drive around quite a bit, you’ll notice that all the roads seem to be almost the same age. That’s because they are all pretty close in age. When you build a lot of something with the same basic materials, they all rot at the same time. The roads went crappy because the maintenance sector got blitzed. All of the capital that used to go to growth now goes to simply keeping our heads above water. The bigger the boom, the bigger the bust. The great tragedy of my current town and the state of California is that half the people think there’s no problem at all and the other half doesn’t even know what problems we have. I warn you, do not let Prescott become my current town. Growth is fine, but it’s gotta be slow and deliberate. Seriously, get mobilized. Start talking around. Don’t let Prescott become a victim of its own success.

[@wisdomhappy587]

Potentially one of the most important videos I've ever watched

[@wendylarson2375]

Best explanation of aquifers and their characteristics. Thank you.

[@em945]

This is such a great piece of teaching. Thank you so much. I am in Australia and have read and try to apply Peter Andrews books etc and others who explain some of this. He refers to his general work around water as rehydration of the land. I was quite distressed when I read the councils recent landcare magazine that said a lot of the degraded rivers were due to more and more farm dams(less in this area These days) stopping the runoff going into the river. It is possible it was a copy pasted article from another region (Murray-Darling), but the fact that authorities are so out of touch with land and water function sheds light on how far from regenerating landscapes we are. I can't even begin to talk about what is happening on the new 'lifestyle farmlets' around just upstream and around. Our waterway is probably not useable really anymore. We have had visible detergent running through for 8 weeks, who knows what is it washing off. The cleared farmland pastures have now been turned into the supershort lawn look, very much the fashion in SE Australia. Give us a month of dry summer and it will be a dustbowl. Our farm has been going great in recovery since 2019 and learning regen practices, but suffering over wettness now. Will settle no doubt, so not too worried. Drought will return and we will dream of these mud pools. This all comes on the back of a third extremely wet year in the eastern states, with much of the aquafers seemingly recharged. We are having the opposite problem now to what was extreme drought from the years to end 2019 along with the fires. Nothing is sinking in anymore. I am willing to bet some seriously wet years are on their way to the west coast of the US. Amazing video. Keep up your great efforts.

[@ladyryan902]

Omgosh. The USA is working in a similar manner. Chinese bought up millions of acres in the mid west n are drilling deep. This is causing drought conditions everywhere n the gov. Doesn't have a clue

[@Alex_Plante]

As a civil engineer, I often have to have my projects approved by environmental agencies. They are mainly staffed by biologists and chemists, who have a woefully lacking understanding of hydrology. Most believe that large rivers are fed by surface run-off. This is false, of course, most major rivers and lakes are fed by ground water, and are the visible portion of the water table. Whenever I try to explain this to them, they are astonished and incredulous.

[@em945]

@@Alex_Plante great to hear a Civil Engineer has such good understanding of environmental systems. At least those in governing offices would respect an Engineer telling them information. Not so with a small farmer with only six years experience. I sometimes imagine a day when Environmental Civil and general Engineering becomes the HOT new thing to do. Reconfiguring the way roads and buildings as well as farmland etc is situated, and affects the natural world as little as possible, or even adds to it. The trick is, it takes a lot of time exposed to land function, and every area is different to really get a grasp of what's needed. Also being open to getting suggestions from people local to areas or troubleshooting with other engineers with different skills. Very exciting really for the right type of mind. Take care and thanks for your insights.

[@em945]

@@ladyryan902 sounds quite frightening. I do believe they are buying up land everywhere. That said, there was a lot bought in Australia and a lot has been sold, didn't do well. No water (at the time, now too much for now!) I am not an expert around this information, but had heard that some of the big stations were going back to family ownership. Good luck !

[@paulbaker3144]

We could use the remaining fossil fuel to carve interconnected swales, waterways, canals, ponds, and lakes. And make some of them navigable so goods can be transported in a slow economy sustainably. There would be major biological implications as aquatic species use the waterways to spread but there’s always pros and cons to everything. We would have a water centric culture instead of the water abuse and neglect culture. We need a new relationship with water.

[@jaminson2855]

ah i've been needing to know how to fix aquifers, thank god i came across this video, now i can venture forth and repair the worlds aquifers.

[@lipebier]

Amazing lesson! Thank you Andrew

[@amillison]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gerrydulang717]

i have a mountain like this..EXACTLY same thing. ill try to get it started. Do the hats first. Thanks for the explanation! Im from the Philippines, Bohol for the most part. Ill try to do a video of it in the near future! Thank you so much!

[@RichardHardy-ce1sw]

This is outstanding!!

[@jimenagarciamartinez82]

Llevo buscando una solución a nivel cuenca así por mucho tiempo. Excelente video!

[@saburm]

man those drawings are artwork!

[@anders21karlsson]

This was a fantastic video. Thank you.

[@Think_Global]

Incredibly useful information makes me want to buy land just to build aquifers

[@chrisheet523]

Your videos are the best! Thank you for amazing work.

[@surfgrunge1971]

Thank you for your knowledge. I truly hope you inspire people at the corporate levels of big agriculture because time is running out…😩

[@pravachan4355]

love this! We need this in Texas.

[@michaelhiggins5119]

Great work Andrew! Love these short beautiful videos full of beneficial information you provide to the good people of Earth. We are blessed😊

[@lifeisnothard7054]

Clear, crisp and to the point. I am learning a lot from your videos sir. Keep doing this hard work for sake of others...🙂🙂

[@amillison]

So nice of you, the work will continue! Thanks for watching. :)

[@ronahue1946]

Here on Utube there are a few videos from the outback of India where they were plagued with droughts except for the rainy season when they had floods. On the terracing of the mountain slope they staggered the outlets for the water so that it had to crisscross the mountain coming down slow and pressing the water into the earth. They can farm year round now. Probably the same idea with the terraced rice patties

[@netrabantawa3439]

Thank you for this vital information on water restoration . Hopefully the Deep well boring fellows will realise how quick fix personal deep well isn't the best solution in the long run 🙏

[@adamakaru2683]

Thank you Andrew, water is the new Gold.

[@amillison]

Yes! Blue Gold! You're welcome. :)

[@effectentertainment7882]

Andrew your amazing my man thank you.

[@stuartrinker]

Great video. In our last house, a 1 acre lot. In the high desert of northern Nevada. We made it so the water and snow that fell stayed on the property. I wish I could see it today to see if it’s working as designed.

[@futtermanfarms6791]

YES. Every land owner should see this vid and learn from it and implement these practices. Add regenerative agriculture to this and you have a winning combination.

[@reaganjanaerichard5009]

I'm addicted to these videos.

[@davestagner]

I was just thinking of this problem this afternoon, and then this video appears in my feed. KZbin’s algorithms are WAY too good.

[@AbidAli-bv2gl]

Excellent video. Lot to learn about Watershed Management

[@kristinyannone8326]

Andrew's videos are fascinating.

[@namAehT]

There is a short National Geographic documentary on KZbin titled "50 Years Ago, This Was a Wasteland" that exemplifies these points to a tee. The man planted native prairie grasses with deep roots on the baren hillsides and in a few years springs were popping up all over his preserve. Once water started flowing, the rest of the ecosystem quickly established itself and self-stabilized.

[@seanthedevlin]

"What are we waiting for?" Love it, man! Keep it up!

[@ppacal1098]

Very well thought out presentation 👏

[@Fraczon92_games]

Excellent value, great production! A+ for quality content

[@robertling9872]

Beautiful video, thank you for sharing.

[@FaisalKhan-jg6kg]

Amazing way of sharing knowledge. Thanks 🙏

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Thanks for making complex issue digestible. This is exactly what we do at the LooseNatural farm I'm Andalusia

[@nowistime8070]

now I can understand how we run out of water. thanks for a visual understanding

[@bondiagarden]

Thank you Mr. Millison for this video! I would like to share, that we applied similar methods in our small urban garden with good results. Our backyard is hilly. Nothing grew on top as the dried clay soil was rock hard and water used to rush down the hill. We planted trees on top of the hill (hat) and built terraces (belts). In just 3 years, there has been a significant increase of soil and wildlife life. Next year, I am planning on adding a small permaculture pond (shoes).

[@amillison]

Thanks for sharing! Amazing job! Keep it up!

[@B30pt87]

Thank you for posting these videos.

[@amillison]

Glad you like them! Thank you for watching them! :)

[@Chimp_No_1]

Incredibly interesting ! New subscriber !

[@DJG19870]

Love your videos! Thank you for sharing this amazing knowledge.

[@popelkaguillermo]

Muy buena explicaciòn de los acuiferos, la recarga y los cuidados que debemos tener para no agotar nuestros acuiferos por ambiciòn en las cosechas y el crecimiento de ciudades. Los diagramas transparentes donde tu dibujas detras estan excelentes¡¡ Los acuiferos confinados tambien tienen recarga y no son necesariamente fosiles, ejemplo Guarani Acuifer of South America.

[@markd.9042]

This is invaluable information, thank you!!!

[@ericthranduillvargaspenafl4011]

This makes perfect sense. Very educational..thank u

[@fuberlin1]

Thank you for these videos! I hope you keep doing them. They are very useful and educational to mе

[@jackm2293]

Another brilliant video! Thank you!

[@ericbruhn3765]

So wonderful. Thank you for the video 🙏🏼

[@treeoftheweek]

Love watching your videos, so insightful

[@will5286]

EXCELLENT--GREAT GRAPHICAL METHOD

[@aryan-star]

Love and light to all 💖🌟💜🏞️

[@gund89123]

Awesome graphics.

[@threeriversforge1997]

As usual, the key is in the people, not the government. Brad Lancaster has done a great series of videos on what he's managed to do with his home in urban TucsonAZ, and it's impressive to see how much of a difference it's made in just 15 years - especially as others in the neighborhood jumped on the bandwagon. If he'd have waited for the government to do something, he'd still be waiting and wouldn't have 15 years of performance to show for it. While it's great to think about things at the larger scale, the important thing is to get individuals doing what they can right in their own homes just like Brad Lancaster did. Don't wait. Don't ask someone's blessing. Just get out there and do things as simple as making a quick Beaver Dam Analog across some fold in the land when you're on your next hike. Every little step adds up.

[@amillison]

Brad was my original permaculture teacher in 1996 and I have followed his work closely. I think his work is on the scale of regenerating the local aquifer. A great example of this work in an urban area

[@threeriversforge1997]

@@amillison Yep. And he really showed how it's up to one person doing what they can where they are with what they have. Your vid does great in illustrating the larger scale, but it's also very easy for people to get frustrated or defeatist in their thinking because the problem seems "too big". Great vid and very educational! Your drawing skills are fantastic, really bringing the whole thing to life.

[@bluefish537]

I have no background in this field but its interesting to watch because of the way you explain it

[@somdeepkundu2506]

Such a beautiful lecture

[@chadachwilliam5515]

I have two arroyos in southern Colorado that I have been saving up to close them off. The equipment is expensive but I’m getting there. When water runs through there, it’s allot, so I plan to let it just soak in. My well went dry and I had to dig a few feet deeper one summer so I think it’s prudent to feed the ground when ever possible. Everyone in the mountains needs to hold back as much water as possible. It will either soak in or evaporate, either way it will be available elsewhere later as well water or RIAN.

[@michaelbagley9116]

The thing about aquifer recharge is that it starts with one simple idea. That is holding water on the ground to allow it to soak in naturally. Not all land is like a fast acting sponge. Having your yard as a minor depression will hold water in a large area for a longer period to allow it to soak in. This works great in cities and does not create breeding grounds for mosquitos. After a storm the water does not stay long enough. Phoenix Arizona has some innovative local solutions to doing just this. Other things like returning beavers if your ecosystem is appropriate for this. Establishing mini rock dams in seasonal streams to slow water flow and even retard small pools longer. You are only limited by your ingenuity.

[@HansLemurson]

it's interesting how it works out that you can increase the moisture of the land without necessarily needing more rainfall. In the short term, it will of course mean less water flowing off the land as the aquifers recharge and the soil regains its life, but once the land is "full" once again it can provide its water to downstream neighbors while still being able to support its own life. To understand why this works, think about the opposite: drainage canals. Speeding up the flow of water dries out a landscape.

[@TheO416]

this definitely earned you a subscriber!

[@juan.viloriaa.2751]

Excelente explicación...👍👍

[@perepelo4ka3]

Спасибо! Какой вы замечательный. Очень доступно рассказываете 👍👍👍❤️

[@nickvaden3196]

Great explanation!

[@mikebikekite1]

Fascinating, I learnt a lot.

[@christopher.96]

I am terrified for the desert south west. They have so much work to do restoring their landscape and I suspect not enough time to do it.

[@brianpoisson9464]

Fantastic explanation !

[@amillison]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ebradley2306]

Maybe if a clear visual presentation is made to the decision makers they can start applying this approach to city planning. I live in a metropolitan area that is being paved over on a massive scale and we regularly have to cope with flooding. I will say in my particular development they make big use of man-made lakes and flood plain green belts to manage excess water in creeks and rivers.