Rainwater Harvesting

Demonstration Site

Sitemap and Guide

5) Next to the solar array there is an underground

or “mega” cistern. It is tested to withstand the

weight of emergency vehicles and can hold

30,000 gallons. It is made up of 204 interlock-

ing recycled plastic crates. The two black boxes

by the sidewalk are primary filters for before

water enters the cistern. Water flows from cis-

tern to manhole where it is pumped to the

“harvesting solutions” wetbox which has a 10

and 50 micron filter as well as an ultraviolet fil-

ter.

6) Of the three compost bins here, one is for dry

materials, one is for active moist composting

and the third is for compost ready to be used.

7) The basin here is watered from a drip hose

which flows from the residential 564 gallon cul-

vert cistern. A screen filter removes debris be-

fore it enters the cistern.

8) The cistern here is polyethylene, was prefabri-

cated, opaque to prevent algae growth and

holds 305 gallons. It has a screen, a first flush

pipe for smaller sediment and an overflow pipe.

9) Curb cuts feed street water suitable for

landscaping to these basins. Curb cuts re-

quire city permits. The rock mulch is an

alternative to bark mulch which could

wash into the street.

10) Here dirt berms prevent water from flow-

ing onto the street. Berms require mini-

mal maintenance and can reduce the rate

of evaporation if placed correctly.

11) Between the sidewalk and Fort Lowell, ba-

sins work with the natural slope to capture

rain. Curb cuts on busy roads adhere to

stricter city standards.

12) Here a rain chain prevents heavy rainwa-

ter impact from eroding planting area soil.

Rain chains can be aesthetically pleasing

and are able to redirect water even at sig-

nificantly titled angles.

13) Here you can see the solar power

“inverters” that service the dance studio

and change electricity from DC power to

AC power. Inverters for the solar panels

on the parking cover and main building are

located in the main electric room.

1) Commercial grade “iconic” cistern has the potential to

capture 20,300 gallons per year, has a capacity of

3,800 gallons, is 20’ 9” high and has a diameter of 5’

7”. It includes a vertical filter first flush pipe, an access

port for cleaning and an underground pipe leading to

the buried cistern. The first flush carries dirt and de-

bris away from the cistern. The cistern is sealed

against mosquito entry and light.

2) Block walls keep rainwater in the planted areas. The

walls as well as a French drain prevent the gravel

driveway from flooding. The rock filled French drain

runs down the middle of the driveway and is 2’ wide,

6’ deep and 30’ long.

3) Basins here retain water near vegetation. Water that

would normally flow into the underground cistern can

be diverted into these basins for irrigation. This area

demonstrates the important principles of slowing,

spreading and sinking rainwater.

4) The carport solar array is made up of 240 out of the

total 293 SunPower 305 watt modules on the proper-

ty. Altogether solar power provides between 90 and

95% of electrical demand for the site. Excess power

produced is delivered to Tucson Electric Power. There

is also a free-to-use electric car charger.