Virtual Programming: Week 7
Greetings!

Generators whirr, water gushes, and firewood crackles. The daily sounds of Holden Village’s unique, off-the-grid utilities system epitomize connection. 

From the alpine runoff rushing down Copper Creek, to the firewood gathered from dead trees in the forest, to the drain field where greywater is returned to the soil, the cycle fueling the electricity, heat, and water is inextricably linked to our surroundings. 

We practice sharing resources collectively, particularly in the winter months when the supply of electricity is limited. We make decisions for the greater good, knowing that a seemingly personal choice affects the entire community.

Holden’s close connection to sources of water, heat, and electricity extend beyond the Village. We invite you to consider your utilities and how personal and systemic changes in consumption and generation cultivate a more sustainable future for all.

Faithfully,
The Utilities Team
Photo: Fine Particle Water filters within the Holden Village Water Treatment Plant
In this edition of Virtual Programming:

  • Reflection: "Knowing Our Luxuries"
  • Photo Tour: Holden Electric Light & Power
  • Video: Daily Rounds Tour
  • Activity: Build a Generator at Home
  • Podcast: "Utilities Off the Grid with Ian Goller"
Reflection: Knowing Our Luxuries
At Holden Village, we have the unique opportunity to engage directly with our sources of water, heat, and electricity. Holden Village Utilities Lead, Ian Goller, reflects on the importance of becoming aware of the flow of power, heat, drinking water, and sewage, and reflecting upon the environmental and health impacts of these processes.

No matter where you live, awareness is an important first step on the journey of cultivating a more sustainable future for all.
Photo Tour: Holden Electric Light & Power
The acronym for Holden Electric Light & Power - HELP - humorously reflects the reality that Holden Village relies on the efforts of many people, a great deal of equipment, and the processes of the natural world.
1. Diversion Dam

All the water that Holden Village uses for drinking, watering plants, and generating electricity is captured by our Diversion Dam from Copper Creek.
2. Valve Vault

The Valve Vault is the central hub of water distribution in the Village. From here, water will be sent to the water treatment plant, raw water system, and hydroelectric generators.
3. Load Controller

The Load Controller helps us balance our electrical generation and use. It monitors the frequency of the electricity we are generating (top graph) and will switch electrical devices, or loads, in the village on or off to maintain it at (roughly) stable 60 hertz. The number of loads currently being powered is tracked by the bottom graph.
4. Water Heater

Our water and electrical systems come together in the common household water heater. Treated water is stored in the tank and heated by electrical elements which are switched on or off by the miniature load control computer pictured.
5. Rain Birds

Having completed its journey through the Holden Village raw water system, water from Copper Creek creates stunning rainbows when blasted through the Village wildfire suppression sprinklers.
Video: Daily Rounds Tour
Join Utilities Lead, Ian Goller, on a tour of daily maintenance, inspection, and record-keeping performed by the Utilities team to ensure that Holden Village has ample electricity and clean drinking water.

Along the way, you'll join Ian for stops in the Dining Hall, at the Hydro Plant, the Valve Vault, and the Water Treatment Plant.
Activity: Build a Generator at Home!
The generators at the Holden Village Hydroelectric Plant convert the kinetic energy of water flowing downhill into electricity that powers lights, appliances, and more throughout the Village.

These two YouTube videos show how you can create a simple generator at home using magnets spinning within a closed loop of wire. A fun and educational science project for learners of all ages!
Podcast: Utilities Off the Grid
"It's more carbon neutral to get our heat from wood rather than diesel because of the distinction between short-cycle and long-cycle carbon.

Wood is considered short-cycle carbon because trees are pulling CO2 out of the air. When you burn wood, it's functioning on a much shorter timescale in regards to circulating CO2. The time scale on which carbon gets stored in fossil fuels is thousands of years as opposed to a couple decades for trees."

~Ian Goller, Utilities Lead
Photos: (Above Right) After wood has been cleared from surrounding forests by the USFS and is processed at the Holden wood lot, large piles of firewood are placed near buildings with wood boilers.

(Center Right) Villagers move firewood into basements and covered buildings.

(Below) A fire in one of the boilers (humorously named "Dante"). The fire heats water to create steam which is piped to radiators in buildings to heat them.
New to Holden Village? Sign up to stay connected.
All individuals pictured have been fully vaccinated for COVD-19.

Reference herein to any specific commercial products or services does not necessarily constitute or imply its
endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Holden Village.

PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Aj Williams, Anny Berntsen, Callie Mabry, Hannah Lauber, Ian Goller, Jonah Jensen-Young, Mark Bach