Project ID: 2006AZ131B

Title: Student Training, Research, and Participation in Water Harvesting Design and Implementation

Project Type: Research

Start Date: 03/01/2006

End Date: 02/28/2007

Congressional District: Arizona 7th District

Focus Categories: Conservation, Education, Management and Planning

Keywords: WATER HARVESTING, SYSTEM DESIGN, STUDENT EDUCATION

Principal Investigators: Riley, James Joseph; Walworth, Jim

Federal Funds: $11,624

Non-Federal Matching Funds: $29,079

Abstract: Aridity is a fact of life in Arizona, yet water scarcity is inadequately taken into account in the architectural and landscape design processes of public and private water users. Rainwater is an underutilized resource in part because knowledge of water harvesting is not widely disseminated. As an institution of public education in an arid environment, the University of Arizona is ideally situated to assume a leadership role in the design and implementation of water harvesting systems on campus and the close involvement of students in this process. This project aims to develop the means to apply water harvesting techniques within the university system and educate university students about water harvesting while addressing significant surface water flow concerns on the university campus. The project will work initially with the Surface Water Working Group in solving a flooding problem near the McKale Memorial Center sports complex by incorporating appropriate water harvesting interventions. Students will work closely with principal investigators, consultants, and university staff to study existing problems and design and implement innovative water harvesting solutions, possibly including infiltration basins, swale and berm contouring, mulches, walk way redesign, and native plant landscaping, . Water harvesting installations will be clearly signed to serve an additional educational function for the greater university community.

Progress/Completion Report, PDF