6 . Rivers , Distorted Processes : The Effect of Effluent on Stream / Aquifer Interactions

The student lead group Ecoalition secured a grant to promote water harvesting efforts around the University of Arizona (UA). One of the objectives of this grant was to create a georelational database of potential water harvesting sites around the UA campus. Students, faculty, and staff worked together to collect field data around the University to include in this database. Those involved in the data collection had the opportunity to learn how to utilize new technology. After several attempts at collecting data, all elements necessary to water harvesting on campus were mapped. The field data was transferred into a GIS database on a network drive in the Office of Arid Land Studies. The final GIS water harvesting GIS database was integrated into Facilities Management’s UA campus database. The water harvesting database will allow for future projects with water harvesting to be established. 2. The UA Visitor Center: Demonstrating Sustainable Campus Facilities Name(s): Leona Davis, Richard Rushforth, Lincoln Perino Department(s): School of Natural Resources; Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Sciences, University of Arizona Abstract: In the spring and summer of 2007, UA students designed and implemented a “green retrofit” for the UA Visitor Center. Improvements emphasize water harvesting and solar energy, featuring working systems which double as educational models. A 6.2 kW photovoltaic system was installed, with the inverter on display inside the building, where visitors can observe the amount of power being generated. To emphasize the importance of water conservation in landscaping, we designed a native plant landscape to be irrigated by harvested rainwater. Gutters and two culvert cisterns catch and store roof runoff, which is then directed through contoured earth to native Sonoran desert plants. Informational signs about solar energy, rainwater harvesting, desert plants, and sustainability on campus serve as tabletops inside the Visitor Center patio to educate visitors about the building’s new features. We aim for this building to provide a model for future sustainable growth at the U of A. In the spring and summer of 2007, UA students designed and implemented a “green retrofit” for the UA Visitor Center. Improvements emphasize water harvesting and solar energy, featuring working systems which double as educational models. A 6.2 kW photovoltaic system was installed, with the inverter on display inside the building, where visitors can observe the amount of power being generated. To emphasize the importance of water conservation in landscaping, we designed a native plant landscape to be irrigated by harvested rainwater. Gutters and two culvert cisterns catch and store roof runoff, which is then directed through contoured earth to native Sonoran desert plants. Informational signs about solar energy, rainwater harvesting, desert plants, and sustainability on campus serve as tabletops inside the Visitor Center patio to educate visitors about the building’s new features. We aim for this building to provide a model for future sustainable growth at the U of A. 3. Mercury Treatment for Water and Energy Sustainability; an Alternate Method to Reduce Mercury