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Tucson Mayor & Council Unanimously Approve Green Streets Policy!

Green Streets water harvesting basin with flowersTucson's Mayor and City Council recently voted unanimously to approve a Green Streets policy developed through a collaborative process led by Watershed Management Group. 

The policy will require that stormwater harvesting features (such as vegetated streetside basins) be integrated into publicly-funded roadway development and re-development projects. These features will be included from the beginning of the design process in order to ensure their effectiveness. We already know how to design roadways to promote water conservation and enhance our urban forest. Now, the City of Tucson has taken the necessary steps to integrate this knowledge into new projects to promote a more livable Tucson and a healthy urban watershed.     

Green Streets water harvesting basinAs Mayor Jonothan Rothschild said in his opening remarks during the study session, "Sometimes solutions can be low-tech, but that doesn't make them any less valuable.  ...

A Watershed Moment—Celebrating 10 Years of Prosperity with You

We hope you’ve enjoyed the first-ever print edition of A Watershed Moment, which celebrates WMG’s 10-year anniversary.  But don’t worry—if you’re not on our mailing list, you can download the electronic version. Just click on the cover image below.

Check out our list of 10 things that might surprise you about us, browse some fun-filled statistics from the last 10 years, and of course, read updates about our program work and learn how you can get involved in transforming your community with WMG!

Want to be sure you get the next edition in the mail? Make sure your mailing address is current by clicking here.

Learn How to Utilize Your Stored Rainwater at WMG's Upcoming Training

WMG has a unique new technical training opportunity on June 22. Join us at the Native Seeds/SEARCH Conservation Center to learn how to install pumps to convey stored water from cisterns to irrigation systems, potable systems, and other uses with cistern expert Mark Ragel! This half day training is only $50—with a $10 discount for students and WMG training alumni.

The monsoon rains are coming, and those cisterns will be full before you know it. This training will teach you the basics to integrate your cistern into a drip irrigation system—no more moving the hose around your yard to distribute water to your landscape! The registration deadline is June 19, and space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot.

The course will cover:WMG Training - cistern pump installation

  •    Tank storage distribution systems
  •     Plumbing best practices
  •     Pump setup, sizing, and hydraulics
  •     Maintenance and troubleshooting

Participants will gets hands-on experience in the complete installation of a pump and associated plumbing on an existing 3,000-gallon steel culvert tank which will supply water to a drip irrigation system.

Course information:
Cistern Pump Installation Training
June 22, 2013, 7:30 am–12:30 pm
Native Seeds/SEARCH Conservation Center, 3584 E River Rd
Sign up here.

If you have questions, please email jderoussel@watershedmg.org or call 520-396-3266.

Get to know WMG's Tucson Green-Living Co-op

Ever wondered just how Watershed Management Group gets all those water-harvesting systems installed in Tucson? We can't do it alone—it takes all of you to lend a hand. Our Green-Living Co-op does the hard (and fun) work of installing systems at members' homes throughout Tucson, and we'd like to invite you to join us.

If you're new to the Co-op, or if you're just hearing about it for the first time, the 1-hour orientation session on July 11 is designed for you.

Grow Your Skill-set with WMG's Water Harvesting Certification Course

Watershed Management Group's Water Harvesting Certification Course, October 7-13 in Tucson will teach you how to make landscapes functional and productive by integrating water-harvesting features at the residential and commercial scales. Register online today.

2013 Water Harvesting Certification Course outdoor classroomYou'll learn to:

  • Integrate water-harvesting systems with other design elements, such as energy conservation, aesthetic design, food production, and wildlife habitat;
  • Calculate runoff potential of catchment areas and assess soil conditions;
  • Create a water budget and pair water-harvesting systems with appropriate landscaping
  • Choose, size, and build appropriate landscape features for different applications, including basins, berms, swales, and infiltration trenches;
  • Design greywater systems for laundry, bathroom sink, and bathroom shower water;
  • Construct a laundry machine greywater system to irrigate the landscape;
  • Size and install a plastic rain tank; and
  • Design water harvesting systems to support small-scale food production, including earthworks design, cistern design and application, and soil improvements.

Our Co-op Can Help You Take Advantage of Rainwater and Greywater Rebates

Tucson Water has announced changes to their residential rainwater harvesting rebate. Beginning June 1st homeowners who install passive rainwater-harvesting systems can receive a rebate for 1/2 of eligible costs up to $500. And active rain tank systems can be rebated at the following rates up to a maximum of $2000:

  • 50-799 gallons @ $0.25/gallon
  • 800+ gallons @ $1/gallon

Steel cistern for active rainwater harvestingWatershed Management Group's Tucson Co-op can help you get the most out of the rebate program in a number of ways:

First, you can work with our highly-trained and skilled instructors to plan and install your system! Click here for all the details on how our Co-op works and download our detailed Service Package flyer to see what we can offer you.

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