I turn on the tap to wash my hands. The water flows.

This is our reality, our daily life… I never used to think about it.

In the Andalusian mountains, far from any distribution network, I learned to observe the water cycle. Its fragility. And the way we influence it, for better or for worse.

Every drop that comes out of the tap was once a drop of rain. Storm rain that cascades down hilltops and tumbles to the stream. Or long, patient rain that seeps into the earth and gently reaches the water table—a treasure, after having

hydrated plants, insects and all soil life.

The ancients understood this. Every house was built a few dozen meters from a well.

In early 2023, four months after taking over the olive grove, the drought began as early as January. By spring, everything was dry—even the olive leaves were turning yellow. The insects fell silent, the birds left. There was still water in the wells, but these old, shallow wells quickly ran dry.

The water stopped flowing from the tap in the house, replaced by the sound of gurgling pipes. Like a final gasp.

Since that day, our priority has been water.

That year, we created 40 small retention basins that slow down the rain and allow it time to infiltrate the groundwater, replenishing it for weeks after the storm. We also ensure that the soil remains covered with vegetation at all times—never bare—to prevent runoff.

In May 2024, we built a reservoir on the southern part to provide water for sheep, horses, new crops, and local wildlife. We will finish it this summer to make it waterproof.

The previous owner had fortunately built a reservoir which saved us in 2023. Slowing down, infiltrating, conserving: these are our priorities… so that water flows from the tap, and above all so that animals and plants have enough.

We never use the water table for agriculture—only for our domestic needs. Because this water table isn't "our" treasure. It's the treasure that gives life to the entire ecosystem of the surrounding hills.

Want to support our project? 👉 https://www.soldelospedroches.com/adopter-un-olivier