Water
Articles
Other Resources
- Tucson-area groups that meet on water issues
- Sustainable Water Management in the Arid West (PDF) – The Sonoran Institute’s recent report which also links sustainability to our current policies.
- The Pacific Institute – Water information documents, including:
- South African water expert Dr. Jackie King’s visit to Tucson in 2006 drew hundreds of Tucsonans. – Dr. King’s paradigm integrates values, science, and policies and provides a critical framework to examine Arizona’s water laws and policies: Two articles from local media:
- “Graywater Guidelines“ – Published by the Water Conservation Alliance of Southern Arizona, written by Val Little. (available in PDF on their website: www.watercasa.org)
- “Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Use“ (PDF)- reference and guidebook, prepared by The Pima County Cooperative Extension Service and the Arizona Department of Water Resources, written by Patricia Waterfall and revised by Christina Bickelmann.
- Harvesting RainWater , or anything else by by Brad Lancaster. Brad, a super permaculturist, does everything and teaches everything about our local water resources.
- Roofwater Harvesting: A Handbook for Practitioners – This report by the International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC) is a useful guide to rooftop water harvesting. It is intended for the developing world, but as a community that is transforming itself into a desert-adapted community, that is where we are, too.
Affiliated Organizations
Other Local Organizations
Local Businesses
- re-HOME
re-HOME provides various green building services including webinars, workshops, in-home energy assessments, decision support, etc. Patricia Ewanski - Solar Store
"dedicated to providing renewable energy resources, products, and services while addressing the needs of our customers with the highest level of technical and professional competence." - Southern Arizona Raingutters & Rainwater Harvesting
Suppliers for seamless rain gutters and rain water harvesting systems (licensed contractor) - Technicians For Sustainability
"a locally owned, mission-driven company specializing in renewable energy and sustainable technologies for residential and commercial settings."
Other Resources
- Green Drinks Tucson
Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up for a drink at informal sessions around the world known as Green Drinks. - Handbook for Rooftop Water Harvesting
This report by the International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC) is a useful guide to rooftop water harvesting. It is intended for the developing world, but as a community that is transforming itself into a desert-adapted community, that is where we ar - Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan (Pima County)
"What Pima County has now achieved is the integration of all natural resource protection and land use planning activities into one plan." - Sonoran Permaculture Guild
An excellent resource for all people wanting to design systems guided by ecology, including building, food production and water harvesting. The site also features workshops taught by Tucson's experts in the field. - UofA Sustainability Centers
Various Centers for Sustainability in conjunction with the University of Arizona.
Global Organizations
Local Discussion Groups
- Green Drinks Tucson
Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up for a drink at informal sessions around the world known as Green Drinks. - Tucson Permaculture discussion group
Getting started with projects like growing food, harvesting rainwater, harnessing solar energy? This email discussion group is a good place to post questions, share knowledge, and make connections.
Government Relations
Articles
- A pre-monsoon storm of water harvesting activity - Free workshops May 14 thru 26
Watershed Management Group's Sweat Equity Co-op is ending its 2012 pre monsoon season with a storm of rain water implementation workshops that are free and open to the public. Snacks and liquid refreshments are always provided.
Come on out and learn how to get the most out of your home’s natural resources,... - Soil is Life - Restoring the Soil Food Web - lecture and local foods potluck - May 31
at Saint Marks Church, Third and Alvernon, Tucson
Soil is Life - Restoring the Soil Food Web
A Lecture and Local Foods Potluck
Join Watershed Management Group's Tucson Co-op to celebrate the end of our busiest season to date and to revel in anticipation of the coming monsoons, with our semi annual... - Plan Tucson - Urban Agriculture Policy Working Group - May 3
at Sentinel Building Conference Rooms, 320 N. Commerce Park Loop
PLAN TUCSON
ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY FOCUS AREA
Urban Agriculture Policy Working Group
Meeting Invitation
Thursday May 3, 2012
Hello,
The Plan Tucson Team appreciates the active participation by agency, organization, and other stakeholders... - Water Harvesting Lecture Series - May 4-7
at St. Mark’s Church, 3809 E. 3rd Street
Open to the public, $25 per session
Water Harvesting Lecture Series
Watershed Management Group’s Water Harvesting Certification program provides the highest quality and greatest depth of training in integrative water harvesting offered in the nation... - Overpeck lecture - audio recording online here
An audio recording of Dr. Jonathan Overpeck's presentation at DuVal Auditorium in Tucson February 13th 2012 is now available here on the Sustainable Tucson website.
To listen or download, please go to the first comment on ST February Meeting – Climate Change in Tucson and the Southwest – Dr Jonathan... - Brown Bag Lunch Seminars - Water Resources Research Center - March & April
Unless otherwise noted, all seminars are held at the Sol Resnick Conference Room, Water Resources Research Center, 350 N Campbell Ave, Tucson AZ 85721
Contact: Jane Cripps jcripps(at)cals.arizona.edu or 520-621-2526
http://cals.arizona.edu/azwater
WRRC Brown Bag Lunch Seminars
Wednesday, March 21,... - Solar Grant Applications Open Until March 21 - Technicians for Sustainability
TFS's 2012 Solar Grant - Applications Open from now Until March 21
Technicians for Sustainability (TFS) is proud to announce the opening of our 2012 Solar Grant application process. Starting immediately we will be accepting applications until March 21st, the Spring Equinox.
The TFS grant program is... - What Are We Planning For? - A New Advocacy Initiative
What Are We Planning For?
A Sustainable Tucson Issues Paper March 2012
Since Imagine Greater Tucson’s initiating phase began more than three years ago, Sustainable Tucson has been engaged with the IGT... - Tucson Aquaponics Systems Tour - Feb 11
The first TAPST (Tucson Aquaponics Systems Tour) is officially happening! Saturday 2/11/12 all around Tucson, 9AM-3PM. The full range of aquaponics systems will be featured. So far we have at least 10 systems on 5 different sites.
Here is a link to more info: http://www.facebook.com/events/239007656182410/
... - ST committee on Food/Water
The ad hoc committee on Food & Water, we begin to develop a Sustainable Tucson General Meeting for later in the year. The goal of that meeting will be to initiate some sort of action in the area of food and water. It is up to the ad hoc committee, working with the Core Team, to determine what... - WMG Composting Toilet Program - Seeking Participants - Feb 9
Soil Steward Composting Toilet Program - Seeking Participants
Are you…
An early adopter who likes to be part of a cutting-edge pilot program to influence city and state policy?
Tired of flushing potable water down the toilet and interested in building a legal composting toilet for your home?
Interested... - Pima County Food Systems Alliance - Meeting & Potluck - January 31
On January 31st, there will be a meeting of the Pima County Food Systems Alliance, at Tucson Village Farm, 4210 N Campbell Ave
The Pima County Food Systems Alliance (PCFSA) is an open membership network comprised of a variety of groups and individuals—including but not limited to farmers, chefs, restaurants,... - Ten Good Things About a (Not So) Bad Year
Ten Good Things About a (Not So) Bad Year
Medea Benjamin, CommonDreams
I had the privilege of starting out the year witnessing, firsthand, the unfolding of the Egyptian revolution in Tahrir Square. I saw people who had been muzzled their entire lives, especially women, suddenly discovering their collective... - The 12 most hopeful trends to build on in 2012
The 12 most hopeful trends to build on in 2012
Published by YES! Magazine on Sat, 12/31/2011
Original article: http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/sarah-van-gelder/12-most-hopeful-trends-to-build-on-in-2012
by Sarah van Gelder
Who would have thought that some young people camped out in lower Manhattan... - ST February Meeting - Climate Change in Tucson and the Southwest - Dr Jonathan Overpeck
at DuVal Auditorium, University Medical Center, 1501 N Campbell Avenue
Sustainable Tucson's February Meeting will be a special public lecture event in collaboration with the Tucson Audubon Society and the Community Water Coalition.
University of Arizona climate scientist Dr. Jonathan Overpeck will speak... - Greywater Systems - Watershed Technical Training - Feb 6-8
Early registration ends January 6!
Brad Lancaster, Senior Watershed Specialist with Watershed Management Group and author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, will lead this hands-on technical training covering advanced greywater systems.
Greywater use is not only allowed by an increasing... - Community-based Green Infrastructure - Watershed Technical Training - March 29-31
Introductory webinar: March 20th, 3-5pm (PDT).
Hands-on training: March 29-31, 2012, Tucson, Arizona.
Watershed Management Group has been working with community members to install neighborhood level Green Infrastructure (GI) projects in Tucson since 2008. Now WMG is offering an in-depth professional... - Dreaming New Mexico - Peter Warshall - TEDxABQ video
Dreaming New Mexico has built a map of pragmatic and visionary solutions to create a more localized and green economy with greater local self-reliance and enhanced prosperity.
Peter Warshall is Co-Director of the Bioneers' Dreaming New Mexico Project, and a world-renowned water steward, biodiversity... - Oppose the Rosemont Mine - public meetings Dec 1st, 7th, 8th, 10th
Thursday, Dec. 1, at Corona Foothills Middle School, 16705 S. Houghton Rd., from 5 to 9 PM (and see comments below for further meetings at other locations)
From: Keith Willmarth
Subject: Oppose the Rosemont Mine
I am sending this message to mobilize informed opposition to the... - Pima County Food Systems Alliance - Meeting & Potluck - Nov 30
On November 30th (this Wednesday) from 6-8 pm, there will be a large group meeting of the Pima County Food Systems Alliance (PCFSA) with a potluck at the Sam Lena Library (1607 S. 6th Ave, Tucson; call 520.594.5265 for directions)
The Agenda is as follows:
Welcome & Introduction (Nick) (5 min; 6:00-6:05)
Presentation... - Sustainable Tucson comments on proposed Rosemont Mine
Sustainable Tucson comments on proposed Rosemont Mine
Sustainable Tucson is a non-profit, grass-roots organization that builds regional resilience and sustainability through awareness raising, community engagement and public/private partnerships. We recognize the need to focus on sustainability within... - UA Professor Walks Away From Empire
UA Natural Resources Professor Emeritus Guy McPherson and Sustainable Tucson founding coalition member addresses the International Conference on Sustainability, Transition and Culture Change: Vision, Action, Leadership recounting his journey to personal accountability in the current crisis of civilization... - The Dark Side of the ‘Green’ City
The Dark Side of the ‘Green’ City
By Andrew Ross
PHOENIX
The struggle to slow global warming will be won or lost in cities, which emit 80 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases. So “greening” the city is all the rage now. But if policy makers end up focusing only on those who can afford the... - Eco-Sanitation Course with David Omick & Brad Lancaster - Dec 5-7
Eco-Sanitation Course with David Omick & Brad Lancaster
December 5 - 7 in Tucson
Note: Dates have changed from those previously advertized. Early registration extended to Oct 30. Early registration cost is $250. Scholarships are available.
Learn cutting-edge principles in simple living technology in... - Innovative 30,000-gallon Rainwater Harvesting Cistern
Innovative 30,000-gallon "Ground Pit" rainwater harvesting cistern being installed at Tucson's Nature Conservancy headquarters - Sustainability Lessons for the United States
How Germany became Europe’s green leader: A look at four decades of sustainable policymaking
by Ralph Buehler, Arne Jungjohann, Melissa Keeley, Michael Mehling
In Brief
Over the last 40 years, all levels of government in Germany have retooled policies to promote growth that is more environmentally... - ST Water - resource links
RAINWATER & GREYWATER USE RESOURCE LIST
Hands-On/Workshops
http://www.sonoranpermaculture.org/courses-and-workshops/ (Sonoran Permaculture Guild workshops - gray water use; rainwater harvesting; and more)
http://www.watershedmg.org/calendar-tucson (Watershed Management Group calendar of events & workshops... - Water blessing at Tucson Meet Yourself
Water blessing at Tucson Meet Yourself, Sunday Oct 16, 2:00-2:40 pm
We'll gather to talk about the roots of this ritual in the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot, and how we bless / express gratitude for water and all that we are thankful in our lives. Then we'll move outdoors to scoop up water in a... - ST Sustainability Book Sale
Sustainable Tucson is offering a very special Book Sale fundraising event at our October General Meeting. We have more than 150 titles, including some hard-to-find classics. The winter reading season is coming, so come and browse this rich collection of sustainability literature. You can shop with... - Sustainable Tucson - General Meeting - October 2011
Sustainable Tucson General Meeting - at Milagro Cohousing Community
Monday, October 10th, 5:45 – 8:30 pm, and come early at 5:15 pm for a tour
Note: this meeting will be at the Milagro Cohousing Community instead of the library (click here for map). If you can come earlier, there will be a tour of... - Regional Water Assessment Task Force ThinkTank Report
иконописJoin an interactive community meeting to help shape the greater Tucson region's efforts to achieve a sustainable water future. This meetings will present the results of the . The meeting will be held at the Tucson Association of... - Watershed Management Group Residential Site Tour
Sept 17, 2011
10 am – 4pm
Looking for inspiration and ideas as to how to green and beautify your home landscape without increasing your water bill? Watershed Management Group (WMG) is offering a self guided tour of residential rainwater harvesting systems. The tour will include examples of earthworks,... - Permaculture Course with Toby Hemenway - 6 weekends starting Nov 12-13
Permaculture Course with Toby Hemenway author of Gaia's Garden, the best-selling permaculture book in the world at Native Seeds/SEARCH (NS/S) Conservation Center.
One weekend a month for six months beginning November 12 13. $1,000 tuition, $850 early bird if paid by October 21. Proceeds benefit NS/S... - WMG Call to Action
Ground-breaking Watershed Management Group Invites Public to Take Action
WMG invites the public to their OpenHouse Thursday, June 2nd 2011 from 7:00pm – 8:30pm at the Ward III Council Office. Presentations by board, staff, and community members on local, regional, and international programs in sustainability... - Overpeck Testifies on Regional Drought
Jonathan Overpeck recently gave testimony before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources about drought conditions in New Mexico and the Southwest. Read his testimony here: http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/OverpeckTestimony42711.pdf - Cob Hot Tub Workshop
A wood-fired cob-insulated hot tub is a low-tech, healthful and beautiful thing. Used like a Japanese bath, one scrubs and showers before entering the heated tub, steaming with desert lavender or chaparral, and soaks away one's cares. If your shower and bath greywater help to irrigate native and heritage... - Common Ground Two
Time again to invite you all to proclaim local community from the rooftops. One rooftop at least.
Join in on the action on the roof of the Pennington St Parking Garage, 110 E. Pennington St.
What is Common Ground?
What it is... is a CELEBRATION, where every group, organization, congregation, small business,... - Water and Natural Gas
The New York Times reminds us that getting to the natural gas that many see as an alternative source of "cleaner energy" may have equally serious threats to our water supply.
In the words of one expert:
“We’re burning the furniture to heat the house,” said John H. Quigley, who left last month... - Water Festival
Tucson's Synergistic Water Festival at the Armory Park Community Center
Art show by local and national artists, dance / theater performance, water expert speakers, Enviro-Exhibitor Fair, round table discussions, workshops, hands-on participation, kid’s activities, music and more!
More information... - Our IGT Conversation
On January 10th, as part of our General Meeting, Sustainable Tucson held its own version of the community conversations being held around the city by Imagine Greater Tucson. After completing a paper survey about what we liked and what we wanted to change about the Tucson region, four groups of people... - Water Festival Brainstorming
COMMUNITY BRAINSTORM GATHERING
Featuring an overview of the festival, highlights from last year, dance performance preview, gather and map new ideas, and hands-on arts activities.
Armory Park Community Center • 220 S. 5th Avenue
$5-$10 Suggested Donation
For more information visit the website.
- Water Study Comments Invited
Jim Barry, who served as Chair of the citizen’s Oversight Committee for the City/County Water Study, has prepared a Public Comment Report documenting the major issues and themes that emerged during the public process for the two year study. Mr. Barry invites your feedback on the report by way of the... - Shockingly Sane Solutions Rally
2602 E. Grant Road
The Rally will be held locally while Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity and
Stephen Colbert's March to Keep Fear Alive occur in Washington, D.C. Our rally
highlights Tucson organizations that are providing sane solutions to intensifying
global challenges.
A solar-powered sound... - Sonoran Permaculture Guild Workshops
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010- Natural Building and Passive Solar Design - This workshop includes hands on work with straw bales, adobe blocks, mud based plasters, cement based plasters, and cob. We’ll do hands on building of small structures like benches and walls – projects that you can easily... - 10/10/10 Co-Op Workshop
Speedway and Grande
Workshop instructors: Catlow Shipek & Chris Stenken
10/10/10 is set to be a global day of action on climate change in over 180 countries. Events are being planned that demonstrate real solutions, that anybody and everybody can be a part of to the threat of climate change.
In Tucson,... - Green Infrastructure Showcase
Salpointe Catholic High School
Join Watershed Management Group (WMG) for a Green Infrastructure Showcase & Open House celebration with Samos Neighborhood, Salpointe High, WMG, and the City of Tucson, all leaders in green infrastructure for Southwest neighborhoods. This event will include an introduction... - Day of Reckoning Coming...
A New York Times article provides a stark warning about the impending water crisis facing communities in the southwestern United States. The article provides some of the basis for concern:
"Adding to water managers’ unease, scientists predict that prolonged droughts will be more frequent in decades... - Challenges to Water Sustainability
You are invited to a lecture and discussion with Dr. Sharon Megdal, Director of the University of Arizona's Water Resources Research Center. Discover what our current situation is and what can we do now, before we are in a crisis!
Hear Sharon Megdal, then meet with cistern installers, dual flush toilet... - ACC Candidates Debate
Sustainable Tucson, The American Association of University Women, and the League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson will co-sponsor a Forum for available candidates for the Arizona Corporation Commission at the Temple Emanu-El, 225 N. Country Club.
The five elected members of this Commission play an... - Water Sustainability Action Plan: Comment Invited
The City of Tucson and Pima County have completed a draft Water Sustainability Action Plan to implement the recommendations from the City/County Water and Wastewater Study Phase 2 Report. The public comment period on the Action Plan extends from September 16th to October 7th, 2010. Below are ways in...
