Rainfall capture has always been a point of pride in Tucson, Arizona – especially with more rainfall on average over the past two years than has ever been seen historically.
Of particular note is the Kino Pond – a cement-lined, fifty-foot pond that stores rainwater on Tucson’s south side. This pond has worked wonders for keeping the area green and pristine and is known as the county’s stormwater savings bank.
However, the city doesn’t want to stop there. Tucson.com reports that the city water officials will propose to devote $3-4 million dollars on green infrastructure incentives to make the entire city water supply self-sufficient.
These initiatives include permeable pavement, another pond similar to the Kino Pond, suggestions that legislation is changed to require all new homes and commercial buildings being constructed to include rainwater harvest capacity into their structures and even create basins rainwater capture in parks.
Tucson is serious about these initiatives and about sustaining its own water supply through rainwater capture. It takes inspiration from other cities in various states who have begun to implement similar strategies.
For example, Portland, Oregon has invested in ‘green roofs’ and ‘green streets,’ and Philadelphia plans to invest $2 billion into many ground-based rainwater capture methods.
Many other cities are also beginning to set themselves up for stormwater capture as a significant source of water.
The idea of utilizing stormwater capture is not new for Tucson, but it has finally gained some traction as infrastructure managers and designers see its great potential.
The climate is ever-changing and infrastructure assets and its management need to reflect that.
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