Control · Liquid loop · Verified August 15, 2026
Sandustry Water Management
Water is both an input and a moving material. Contain it, meter reactions and understand how heat changes its route.
Quick answer
What to do
Use a contained pool and a controlled outlet. One Water plus one Sand becomes two Wet Sand. Heating Water creates Steam that rises; Steam reaching the sky returns as rain. Water can also slip through diagonal corner gaps.
Contain the reservoir
Water spreads until it forms a level pool, while unsettled droplets can evaporate after the documented delay. Solid walls block direct flow, but Water can slip through the meeting point of two block corners. Close diagonal gaps and leave enough depth that a small feed does not expose the whole reservoir.
Meter the Wet Sand reaction
The reaction consumes one Water and one Sand and creates two Wet Sand. A wide uncontrolled contact surface can convert a large amount at once. Use a narrow gate, watch the product leave and keep the Water source physically separate from the Shaker output area.
Use Steam as upward Water transport
Heating Water or Snow produces Steam. It rises until blocked, spreads under ceilings and ultimately condenses. Steam that reaches the sky falls as rain; trapped Steam can also condense after a delay. Build an open vertical path and a collection basin where you want the returning Water.
When to move from terrain to Fluids
The Research page documents a Fluids unlock containing Pipe, Pump and Liquid Vent. Use it when terrain channels and Steam routes no longer provide controllable delivery. Before unlocking, design around containment and elevation; afterward, keep a visible emergency overflow in case the destination fills.