A system for controlling a moisture content below a surface area, where the system is installable in a recess above which the surface area will be located. The system comprises a substantially water impermeable first layer, a porous second layer and a water control basin which comprises means for controlling a moisture level of the porous second layer. The system enables liquid from the water control basin to be transported through the second layer by utilization of capillary forces, providing for an efficient sub-surface irrigation system which is easy to maintain. A method for providing such an irrigation system is also disclosed.

A water holding system 1 including lining a hole 2 with both a permeable 10 and impermeable 20 to water layer in the form of a film or sheet, the impermeable layer 20 positioned exterior relative to the permeable layer 10 the hole 2 is filled with a water permeable filtration medium 3, wherein the water holding system 1 includes a valve 30 positioned at a base 1a of the water holding system 1 and an access pipe 40 including Agi pipe extending from the valve 30 to ground level 4.