The Cool Down
Man answers common questions about living in off-grid houseboat: 'Cool way of l…
One TikToker shared their unique off-grid houseboat living situation and answered questions from other users.
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Nomadic Life on the Water: An Off-Grid Houseboat Journey on the TVA
Living on the Water: A Glimpse into Nomadic Houseboat Life on the TVA A unique off-grid lifestyle is being showcased on the Tennessee Valley Authority's expansive waterways, where one individual and their canine companion navigate the challenges and freedoms of living on a DIY houseboat. The resident, known online as "Another Time Another Place," offers a candid look into the daily realities of their nomadic existence, addressing common inquiries about their unconventional home. The legal framework governing their watery abode requires them to relocate their houseboat at least one mile every 14 days, a regulation they adhere to diligently across the vast network of rivers and lakes managed by the TVA. "The police officers, or what they call game wardens here, drive by at least once a week and wave," the resident stated, indicating a cooperative relationship with local authorities. This policy, which encompasses the Tennessee River, Kentucky Lake, Lake Barkley, and the Cumberland River across five states, allows for a rent-free existence, requiring only a registered boat. Environmental considerations and practical living are central to their routine. When asked about pet waste, the resident explained, "The dog goes to the bathroom on that island, he goes to the bathroom on that island," referring to the numerous land masses along the river. For personal sanitation, a composting toilet system utilizing a Lowe's or Home Depot bucket with a garbage bag and sawdust is employed, with waste bags regularly disposed of in dumpsters on land. Water management is similarly resourceful; drinking water is sourced from a 5-gallon jug, while river water, purified through a shower setup, serves other needs. The fluctuating water levels are a constant, with the houseboat having been "about 11 feet higher in the forest there" during floods, and a 15-foot beach appearing in winter. This adaptable approach underscores the resourcefulness required for a life lived entirely on the water.
