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Hockerton Housing Project: The reed bed
The project is self-sufficient in water, both in terms of collecting, use of and waste disposal.

Water for drinking is collected from the large conservatory roofs and stored in underground chambers. Before being pumped to the homes the water is filtered and treated to ensure it meets drinking water standards. Water for all other uses, including washing, toilet flushing and bathing, is collected from the surrounding fields and from the earth roof.

This is stored in a reservoir and treated via a 'slow sand filter' before being used by the homes. To date we have been self-sufficient with plenty to spare.

A reed bed cleans up the outflow from septic tanks by supporting a highly active eco-system. Their roots supply oxygen to bacteria in the water, which digest the pathogens in the sewage.

The lake water into which the reed bed flows has been tested independently and shown to meet bathing water standards. It also looks good, supplies nutrient-rich water to the lake (and fish) and the waterfowl love it!

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