Install a rainwater cistern for the garden at the Vado community center (2026-07-20)

The community garden at the Vado community center depends entirely on the site's limited water connection for irrigation, a real constraint for a colonia community with thin infrastructure. A roof-fed cistern gives the garden a free supplemental water source for general garden use and follows the fixture upgrade as the site's next water-efficiency step. Standard: LBC Water Petal, Net Positive Water Imperative Proof: Photo of the finished cistern plus its capacity logged. Method (LBC Water Petal, Net Positive Water Imperative): 1. Set the cistern on a level, stable pad at the point the downspout will feed it. 2. Connect a diverter or first-flush fitting to the downspout leading into the cistern. 3. Install the overflow line so excess water directs safely away from the foundation. 4. Fit an outlet spigot for garden use and check for leaks at every joint. 5. Photograph the finished cistern and log its capacity. Done when: Photo of the finished cistern plus its capacity logged.

Where

Community center serving the Vado colonia, Doña Ana County, NM

Pay

$420 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Photo of the finished cistern plus its capacity logged.

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

intermediate

Open until

2026-08-19

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 45–90 minutes. Method of record: EPA WaterSense fixture flow-rate + leak audit

Bring

• flow-rate measurement bag + timer
• toilet dye tablets
• moisture meter
• GPS / address
• camera
• tablet / data sheet

Steps

1. 1. Confirm the address; get a staff escort; photograph each fixture group.
2. 2. Measure flow rate at each faucet/shower with the bag-and-timer method; record gallons per minute (gpm).
3. 3. Test each toilet for leaks with a dye tablet (wait 10 min, check for color in the bowl); record flush volume.
4. 4. Inspect fixtures, meters, and irrigation for visible leaks/drips; note each.
5. 5. Read the water meter with all fixtures off; note any movement (indicates a hidden leak).
6. 6. Rank WaterSense fixture upgrades + leak repairs by estimated water/cost savings.
7. 7. Record flow rates, leak results, meter check, ranked measures, and photos into the proof record; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Meter moving with all fixtures off AND active water damage (wet drywall, ceiling stain, pooling near electrical) -> STOP: possible electrical exposure; keep clear, route to a licensed plumber (and electrician if water contacts wiring). The agent documents, never opens walls.
• Suspected cross-connection / backflow risk (hose-bib, irrigation, boiler makeup) -> flag for a licensed plumber backflow test; potable-water contamination is a health hazard — do not test-operate the connection.
• Toilet dye migrates into the bowl -> flag a leaking flapper/valve for repair.
• Meter moves with all fixtures off -> flag a hidden leak for investigation.
• Faucet > 2.2 gpm or showerhead > 2.0 gpm -> recommend a WaterSense upgrade.
• No electrical/gas work; documentation only — flag suspected pipe damage, do not disassemble.

What counts as done

• Flow rate (gpm) recorded per fixture
• Toilet leak result + flush volume recorded per toilet
• Meter-with-all-off check recorded
• Ranked upgrade/repair measures + photos + address confirm

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.