EARTHWORKS
PASSIVE RAINWATER HARVESTING
What is it?
In rainwater harvesting, the term earthworks refers to an integrated system of topographic landscape adjustments that convey, slow, spread, and infiltrate water. Properly designed and constructed earthworks store rainwater in the soil for your plants to access throughout the year. We use engineering analysis to plan basin systems in consideration of available water resources, projected rainfall amounts, and projected plant water demand—creating thriving landscapes that are resilient, support local habitat, and require no municipal drinking water after plants are established.
Why is it important?
Proper earthwork design and construction are the foundation of any truly resilient landscape in the Sonoran Desert. They offer the biggest “bang for your buck” investment in rainwater harvesting. Well-designed earthworks ensure proper site drainage and can eliminate the need for continuous irrigation with municipal water. They are also critical for protecting your home from long-term erosion and flooding problems.
But it’s bigger than just your yard. Did you know that earthworks reduce storm runoff and pollution, provide energy savings, and help restore shallow groundwater and desert stream flow?
Read important research from Watershed Management Group and Pima Flood Control here!
RAINWATER tanks and storage
ACTIVE RAINWATER HARVESTING
What is it?
Monsoon storm rainwater normally shunted off to the street can be stored and put to use in the landscape (or in the home!) throughout the year. Our designs analyze potential rainwater storage amounts and usage demands to create planting, gardening, and food production plans that can be completely supported by rainwater harvesting. While many tank installations may appear similar, our emphasis on design and construction details ensures the effectiveness and longevity of your system.
Why is it important?
For Sonoran Desert residents, the water supply is anything but certain. The continued climate projections of long-term drought in the southwest, rising demand on the Colorado River, falling groundwater levels, and related price increases should have us looking closely at how our water is being supplied.
Storing and utilizing rainwater on-site can:
decrease the demand on our overtaxed and diminishing water supply
reduce demand on our stormwater infrastructure
provide water for domestic use
provide our plants with healthy water, free of salts and dissolved solids
accelerate the robust growth of native trees and shrubs in order to provide shade and structure
Other Services
