Packed with solid, easy-to-understand advice and clear, detailed illustrations, this book takes the mystery out of rural water systems and their components. Whether planning a new system or updating, expanding or fixing an existing one, the ideas and solutions are all here. The book includes tips for do-it-yourselfers, and guidance for those hiring a professional, on a variety of topics, including: *Methods for testing water *Making water safe to drink *Choosing the right pump *Dealing with environmental issues and legal concerns *Planning a system's connections *Types of wells and how to dig a new one or revitalize an old one *Understanding and installing waste systems *Troubleshooting septic systems *How to reduce a septic system's footprint *The pros and cons of alternative toilets *How to build an outhouse *Getting rid of gray water *How to keep pipes from freezing in winter *How to winterize a seasonal water system for easy spring start-up.