Water and Wetlands
At Casa Xixim, we are deeply committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices. One of our innovative solutions to water management is the implementation of constructed wetlands. This system not only helps us efficiently manage water usage in the region of Soliman Bay but also aligns with our mission to minimize our environmental footprint.
Discover how we harness the power of nature to create a self-sustaining water treatment system that benefits both our guests and the surrounding ecosystem.
From the Clouds, to Us, and Then Back to the Land Again
Soliman Bay does not have traditional city sewer service, so each home is responsible for obtaining its own water and dealing with waste. With an annual rainfall of 43.3 inches (1,099 millimeters), we saw an opportunity to collect rainwater by designing our flat terraces and roofs to feed our underground water storage tanks for non-drinkable household use.
After this water gets used (by sinks, toilets and showers), it goes into a beautiful composting wetlands garden system, which filters the used black and gray water into non-potable water and returns it back to the land.
While not as rainy as somewhere like Vancouver, BC, we anticipate the ability to collect a substantial amount of water for daily home use. We augment our water needs with traditional water trucks to fill up our cisterns as needed and subscribe to a delivery service for water-cooler-style drinkable water for consumption and cooking.
Why a Composting Wetlands System and Not a Septic Tank?
We seek to utilize and treat water in a way that more closely mimics nature, leaving a smaller overall environmental footprint and better protecting our mangroves and bay. Wetlands are efficient filters, removing pollutants as water flows through them.
Maintenance is minimal and consists of ensuring vegetation is growing well and that water is flowing freely through the system. Constructed so that water never rises above the wetland surface, more than 90% of the input material will be converted to water and carbon dioxide. This leaves us with a small amount of dry composted material that is similar to topsoil.
Importance of Sustainable Water Management in the Yucatan
Even in a rainy spot such as the Yucatan, water can be a scarce and expensive resource. Soliman Bay does not have city sewer services, so each home has to source and treat its own water. Traditional septic tanks can be worrisome in case of leaks or floods and can cause pollution, harming wildlife and water quality in the bay.
Because of the nature of composting wetlands, a septic state is never accumulated. It’s our hope that this system serves as a useful working example of a septic tank alternative.
Using Biodegradable Soaps, Shampoos and Cleansers
In an effort to keep our wetlands functioning well, we provide our guests with all-natural, biodegradable soaps and shampoos. We have sourced locally made, high-quality products that our guests enjoy. We kindly ask our guests to refrain from using harsh cleansers or any chemicals in our system.
How You Can Support Our Sustainable Practices
We encourage our guests to support our sustainability initiatives by:
- Being mindful of water usage during their stay
- Participating in our eco-friendly programs
- Sharing their knowledge and experiences with others
At Casa Xixim, we believe that small actions can lead to significant impacts. By choosing to stay with us, you are contributing to a more sustainable future. Join us in making a difference.
Sustainable Water Management and Greywater Systems FAQ
What are constructed wetlands and how are they designed?
Constructed wetlands are engineered systems that use natural processes involving wetland vegetation, soils, and associated microbial life to treat wastewater.
They are designed by creating a subterranean basin, adding a substrate (such as gravel), planting wetland vegetation, and ensuring controlled water flow through the system to maximize contact with the substrate and plant roots, which filter and break down pollutants.
What is the difference between constructed wetlands and natural wetlands?
Constructed wetlands are man-made systems specifically designed for wastewater treatment, while natural wetlands are ecosystems that form naturally and provide various ecological services, including water filtration, habitat for wildlife and flood control.
Constructed wetlands mimic the water treatment functions of natural wetlands but are created and managed for specific purposes.
What are the benefits of sustainable water practices?
Sustainable water practices conserve water resources, reduce energy consumption, lower costs, improve water quality, and enhance the resilience of water systems against climate change. They also promote environmental stewardship by protecting ecosystems and supporting biodiversity.
How does water treatment help the environment?
Water treatment removes harmful contaminants from wastewater, preventing pollution of natural water bodies, protecting aquatic life, and ensuring safe water for human use. It also helps conserve water resources by enabling the reuse of treated water for irrigation, industrial processes, and other non-potable applications.
What is greywater treatment?
Greywater treatment involves the process of cleaning wastewater generated from household activities such as bathing, laundry, and dishwashing. This treatment typically includes filtration and biological processes to remove contaminants, making the water safe for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing.
What is blackwater treatment?
Blackwater treatment involves processing wastewater from toilets to remove contaminants and pathogens. It uses physical, biological and chemical methods to make the water safe for discharge or reuse in non-potable applications. Common systems include septic tanks, anaerobic digesters and advanced treatment plants.
What is the purpose of a greywater system?
The purpose of a greywater system is to recycle and reuse wastewater from domestic activities, reducing the demand for fresh water and decreasing the volume of wastewater that needs to be treated and disposed of. This promotes water conservation and sustainability.
What are the different types of greywater systems?
The different types of greywater systems include:
- Simple diversion systems: Directly route greywater to landscape irrigation without treatment.
- Mechanical systems: Use pumps and filters to treat and distribute greywater.
- Biological treatment systems: Use plants and soil in constructed wetlands or biofilters to naturally treat greywater.
- Sand filters: Employ layers of sand to filter and treat greywater before reuse.