What are Water Retention Landscapes?

Water retention landscapes are designed systems that capture, slow, spread, and sink rainwater into the ground, restoring natural hydrological cycles. Based on permaculture principles, these landscapes use earthworks and vegetation to maximize water infiltration and minimize runoff.

At OASA, water retention landscapes are a core regenerative principle, essential for restoring water systems and supporting ecosystem health.

Permaculture Principles for Water

Slow, Spread, Sink

The core principle of water retention landscapes:

• Slow: Slow water flow to prevent erosion and allow infiltration
• Spread: Spread water across the landscape to maximize contact with soil
• Sink: Sink water into the ground to recharge aquifers

Observe and Interact

Understanding natural water flow patterns:

• Observing where water naturally flows
• Identifying areas of erosion and runoff
• Understanding seasonal water patterns
• Designing interventions that work with natural systems

Design from Patterns to Details

Starting with watershed-scale patterns:

• Understanding entire watersheds
• Designing at multiple scales
• Creating integrated water systems
• Connecting features into functional networks

Water Retention Features

Swales

Contour ditches that capture and infiltrate water:

• Dug on contour (level) across slopes
• Capture runoff and allow infiltration
• Support vegetation on berms
• Prevent erosion and build soil

Ponds and Reservoirs

Water storage features that:

• Capture and store rainwater
• Provide water for irrigation and use
• Support aquatic ecosystems
• Recharge groundwater through seepage

Terraces

Level platforms on slopes that:

• Prevent erosion
• Slow water flow
• Create growing areas
• Maximize water infiltration

Keyline Design

A design system that:

• Uses key points in landscape topography
• Distributes water across entire landscapes
• Maximizes water infiltration
• Creates productive growing areas

Benefits of Water Retention Landscapes

• Aquifer Recharge: Recharges groundwater and restores base flows
• Erosion Prevention: Prevents soil erosion from runoff
• Drought Resilience: Stores water for dry periods
• Ecosystem Support: Supports diverse vegetation and wildlife
• Productivity: Creates productive growing areas
• Climate Resilience: Builds resilience to climate change

Water Retention in Regenerative Commons

In regenerative commons, water retention landscapes:

• Support regenerative principles for water
• Improve ecosystem health over time
• Create productive growing areas for regenerative agriculture
• Support agroforestry systems
• Integrate with rewilding areas

Permaculture Design Process

Site Analysis

Understanding the site:

• Topography and slope
• Water flow patterns
• Soil types and infiltration rates
• Existing vegetation
• Climate and rainfall patterns

Design Development

Creating integrated designs:

• Placing water features strategically
• Connecting features into systems
• Integrating with other elements
• Designing for multiple functions

Implementation

Building water retention features:

• Earthworks construction
• Vegetation establishment
• System integration
• Monitoring and adjustment

Water Retention in Practice

At Traditional Dream Factory, water retention landscapes have captured 1.2 million liters of rainwater through:

• Swales on contour across the landscape
• Ponds and reservoirs for storage
• Terraces for growing areas
• Integration with agroforestry systems

Integration with Other Regenerative Practices

Water retention landscapes integrate with:

• Agroforestry: Trees and crops benefit from improved water availability
• Soil Building: Water retention supports soil health
• Biodiversity: Water features support diverse ecosystems
• Rewilding: Natural water systems support rewilded areas

Related Terms

• Water Retention Landscapes - Core concept
• Regenerative Principles Soil Water Air - Water principles
• Agroforestry - Integration with water systems
• Regenerative Agriculture Commons Model - Agriculture with water retention