Water Harvesting Guidance Manual: Tucson, AZ
This manual provides basic information and design ideas for water harvesting systems to developers, engineers, designers and contractors of commercial sites, public buildings, subdivisions and public rights-of-way. It will also be useful for those interested in water harvesting on their existing or future home sites.
The manual describes a process for evaluating site characteristics and developing integrated designs in which water harvesting enhances site efficiency, sustainability and aesthetics. Water harvesting principles and techniques are described, followed by example designs for a subdivision, commercial site, public building and public rights-of-way.
Water harvesting techniques covered include water tanks (cisterns), microbasins, swales, french drains, gabions and mulch. Appendices include a listing of water harvesting sites, Tucson code requirements for water harvesting, engineering considerations, calculations and xeriscape landscape recommendations.
The manual outlines Step-by-step processes for water harvesting design. Diagrams illustrate water harvesting techniques. Information sheets provide summaries and comparisons of techniques.
This manual's focus on integrating water harvesting techniques and design into the site plan will greatly assist in maximizing water harvest potential. Water harvesting principles shed light on hydrologic processes that occur on a site and how design can be synchronized with these. The design process is explained in five easy-to-understand steps. Example designs are given for diverse project types. Detailed diagrams will serve as valuable tools for designers and contractors.
The Tucson code may serve as an example for municipalities seeking to develop requirements for water harvesting.
Although this manual includes minimal information on cost, it does give an overview of factors affecting cost, including some that may not have been obvious.
