The beneficial impact of multifunctional water retention systems using the example of Krameterhof farm – a steep and rather dry land in a subalpine climate. To reduce the adverse impact of dry periods, as much rainfall as possible needs to be retained during periods of heavy rains. Josef A. Holzer’s water retention facilities are interlinked in such a way that the water can be distributed across the landscape in a cascade-like manner through gravity. This highly productive, communicating water retention system is used in gentle and quite diverse ways: It enhances biodiversity, has a positive effect on the microclimate, serves as a water storage facility for irrigation, can function as water gardens or be used for aquaculture (fish, crayfish, ducks, etc.)