Utilities
Utilities must be designed before expansion. Everything depends on water, power, drainage, fire systems, and access. This is foundational infrastructure — not an afterthought.
Water System — Core Principle
Water must: never stop, never rely on single source, never rely on grid. Redundant system required.
Water Sources
| Site | Sources |
|---|---|
| Big Farm | River (constant flow) + wells |
| Farm Shop Site | Wells + tanks |
| Household | Well + filtration potable system |
Water Storage
Minimum 60,000 litres. Poly tanks preferred. Located behind containers, against earth bank. Hidden by gardens, trellis, shade, canopy.
Tank Positioning
Second level, behind rear containers, near kitchen level. Gravity assist for distribution. Protected by bamboo frame, trellis, fruit vines.
Pump & Control Room
Standalone structure behind tank area. Contains: pump systems, valves, filters, tank level monitoring, potable station. Must be protected, accessible, serviceable.
Potable Water
Filtration system installed. Potable taps at farm shop, kitchen, processing areas. Water may be sold: ₱30 / 20L. Filter system treated as business expense.
River Water — Big Farm
Lift pump system. Water lifted uphill for livestock and irrigation, then drains back to river. Controlled flow, no stagnation.
Fire System
Fire planning required during ground works. Must include hydrants, hose reels, sprinkler provision. Integrated early — not retrofitted.
Electrical Master
Future proofing required. Solar integrated. Grid integrated. Generator integrated.
Solar Strategy
Panels located away from buildings in open area, possibly near bulk materials / loader parking. Mounted on rotating axis preferred to maximise sun capture.
Main Electrical Hub
20ft container housing: solar batteries, charge controllers, inverter, diesel generator, 3-phase grid input, meter board, main switchboard. Must have roof, air gap, shade cladding.
Distribution
Sub-boards located: upstairs, downstairs, cold rooms, shop, livestock areas. Isolation points for flood events, fire, and maintenance.
Drainage
High ground preferred for container site (or build up land). Drainage directed away from road and parking, into swales and gardens. Previous example: 600 tonnes fill used successfully.
Flood Resilience
Drainage channels, raised structures, isolation switches. High placement of electrical systems. No critical system at ground flood level.
Utilities as Business Support
| Utility | Supports |
|---|---|
| Water | Livestock, vegetables, processing, potable sales |
| Electrical | Cold chain, feed production, operations |
Utilities are revenue enablers, not just infrastructure.