Downspout pipes on Common House are equipped with valves to purge the first debris-laden rain volume. Pipes lead to a large concrete cistern. Water from the cistern is filtered several ways to ensure safe potability. DR Ecovillage goal of sustainability includes using on-site rainfall for all water needs if possible. However, early in our visit, the Scotland County water service hydrant was opened due to a run of dry weather plus the demands of visitors. Drilled wells are unreliable in the region beside requiring significant hardware and energy for pumping.