Arizona Water Settlements Act Tier I proposal submitted by Stream Dynamics, Inc.
This is the original proposal submitted by Stream Dynamics. Inc. to create a supply of water and put it to beneficial use.
Executive Summary
Water Harvesting
Arizona Water Settlements Act Tier II proposal submitted by Stream Dynamics, Inc.
Executive Summary
Right as Rain
Arroyo San Vicente project in action (flash flood video!)
Under Contract with the New Mexico Environment Department, Stream Dynamics, Inc. built a Rosgen Cross Vane to protect the sewer line in Silver City. This project included water harvesting diversions to constructed wetlands that were planted with a total of 175 native plants of 32 species, and seeded with 26 native species of native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs. It had rained hard in Silver City at about 5:00 pm on Friday, August 1. Van Clothier went down to the creek at 6:00, arriving moments before a flash flood came down the dry channel. Watch as the leading edge of a flash flood begins flowing down the creek and also into two big water harvesting diversions.
Below this video is a gallery of pre-construction, post-construction, and action photos during the 2014 monsoon.
Water is guided in three ways: down the creek over the grade control, and into right and left diversion basins. This is a Rosgen cross-vane with an "A" arm and a Zuni bowl. It defines a riffle-run-pool-glide sequence in the creek.
We have replicated a pattern found in nature that dissipates energy with a plunge pool. Added to this are diversions to water harvesting basins on both banks.
On Friday, August 1 it rained very hard in Silver City at 5:00 pm. At 6:00 pm, Van Clothier went down to the creek, arriving just two minutes before this flash flood!
Arroyo San Vicente project works beautifully... watch a flash flood come down the main channel, hit the cross-vane and flow into the water harvesting basins!
Free From the Sky - Water Resources and the Silver City Land Use Code
WHEREAS: Water is one of the most valuable resources in this dryland community. Developing, operating and maintaining well water and delivery systems is expensive. Town wells deplete the aquifer, and electricity must be used to pump this water uphill, where it originally came from. Meanwhile, storm water runoff from urban hardscape (roofs, roads, etc.) produces way more water than all the wells combined, and can deliver it for free directly to one thousand places.
Rainwater Harvesting In The Southwestern United States A Policy Review Of The Four Corners States
With the passage of the nation's first municipal rainwater harvesting ordinance for commercial projects, Tucson placed itself at the forefront of the national rainwater harvesting movement. The ordinance calls for 50 percent of water used for landscaping on new commercial properties to come from harvested rainwater. Looking forward, the law will require this proportion of water used in landscaping to be increased to 75 percent within three years of the property being legally occupied. The only U.S. law exceeding this scope in required rainwater harvesting is in the U.S.
A Good Road Lies Easy on the Land - Water Harvesting on Rural Roads
A Joint Publication of the Quivira Coalition, Zeedyk Ecological Consulting, LLC, The Rio Puerco Management Committee – Watershed Initiative, and the New Mexico Environment Department – Surface Water Quality Bureau.
“A road lies easily on the land if it is located on a landform where it can be readily and effectively drained (neither too steep nor too flat); is functional when used as intended (class of vehicle, season and suitable weather conditions); has appropriate drainage features (closely spaced, properly situated and adequately maintained); preserves the natural drainage pattern of the landform; conserves water; does not cause or contribute to accelerated soil loss, lost productivity or water pollution; does not encroach on wetland or riparian areas; and is scenically pleasing. A road is not easy on the land if it collects, concentrates or accelerates surface or subsurface runoff; causes or contributes to soil erosion; impairs or reduces the productivity of adjacent lands or waters; wastes water; unnecessarily intrudes upon key habitats, stream channels, floodplains, wetlands, wet meadows or other sensitive soils; and is aesthetically offensive.” —Bill Zeedyk
A Prototype Analysis for Determining the Stormwater Retention and Water Supply Benefits of Cisterns
Cisterns are usually considered for their water supply benefit. This paper evaluates how effective cisterns are as flood control measures as well as water supply. It considers a problematic situation that is becoming common in the southwest – residential areas on small lots where over half the lot is impermeable. The study uses a simple mass- balance relationship with daily input of rainfall to the cistern and daily use of the water by two citrus trees.
WNMU Goes Green
WNMU Centennial Dorm got 5 water catchment basins to control up to 60,000 gals of water runoff per year down 10th to West Street and beyond. With the blessings of WNMU Maintenance Dept (permit and equipment) and Silver City Utilities Dept (permit for curb cutting) students of the "Sustainable Design" class put their chosen plan into action. Van Clothier (Stream Dynamics) was brought in as consultant and co-supervisor with class Prof. Patricia Pawlicki. The WNMU Garden Club will come soon and landscape in, around and between the Basins with plants that will utilize the added groundwater. Within the mulched Basins native grass seed will be broadcast to grow between the rocks.
