When the power goes out, one of the first things you notice on a small farm is water.

There was a time when the weather felt more predictable. Now, strong winds bring down trees and power lines, and outages happen more often than they used to.

We are prepared for power outages in some ways. We store water in the house for ourselves, our cats, and Dawg. Where things become more challenging is with the animals. The ducks and goats go through buckets of water each day, and it doesn’t take long before our stored household supply is stretched.

Part of our original five-year plan was to install a rainwater catchment system using cisterns. It remains a priority, but cisterns are expensive, and on a small farm there is always something else that needs time, attention, and resources.

This year, an opportunity presented itself.

We were able to purchase five food-grade IBC totes (Intermediate Bulk Containers) that originally held olive oil. After pressure washing, each tote now holds 1,000 litres of potable water.

The totes are set up in series near the small barn. In time, they will collect rainwater from the roof once a filtration system is in place. For now, they are filled by water delivery — a practical step that works for where we are.

During a power outage, a submersible pump connected to the generator allows us to draw water specifically for the animals. In a longer outage, this stored water could support all of us.

On a small farm, solutions often come together this way — a mix of planning, timing, and what is available.

The result is simple: we have a reliable water reserve, and a set of food-grade containers given a second use.

We consider that a win.

Warmly,

Brin

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Brin writes about the quieter lessons of small farm life – ducks in the morning, goats in the barn, and the slow work of tending a small piece of land. Between animal chores, soap making, and reflexology work, she reflects on what it means to live well, live simply, and discover what “enough” really looks like.