Abstract: A water collection system at least partially below ground level comprises a water collection structure comprising at least one layer of hydraulically interconnected cells extending two dimensionally, and disposed substantially parallel to ground level, the grid the structure having a peripheral edge and particulate solid material in at least some of the cells providing a void space of from about 30% to about 70% in at least some of the cells. There is a water inlet into the structure, a substantially water impermeable layer below substantially all of the water collection structure, a water discharger from the structure, and a protective layer of material above the water collection structure.