A nexus of factors are currently pressuring Arizona's water resources; these factors include a growing population, ongoing drought and recognition of the importance of riparian areas. Accordingly, water managers are considering all available sources of water supplies including water reuse. These increasing demands on limited water resources have made water reuse for municipal and residential irrigation an attractive option for extending water supplies in the semiarid southwest.
Our project funds the installation of rainwater harvesting systems at public sites as well as the development of youth curriculum on rainwater harvesting and conservation. This program provides simple, understandable model of sustainable methods for using harvested rainwater, which can then be reproduced affordably by businesses and homeowners alike. Youth will observe and document average monthly rainfall, annual water supply from catchments; total water reused and cost savings.