Project Clearinghouse

IDEASS-Rainwater Catchment Developemnt

Sustainability Problem and Proposed Solution: 

Our project aims to be part of the shift towards encouraging, establishing, and further developing decentralized water systems in the Santa Cruz community. Our goal is to increase water capture and retention in Santa Cruz through the use of low impact development (LID) projects to reduce stormwater runoff, increase our groundwater supply, reduce the amount of pollutants leaching into our waterways, and increase awareness of water resource sustainability.

Jump to: Contact | Project Description | Funding Sources | How to Join | Metrics for Success | Results
Project Categories: 
Buildings & Facilities
Land, Habitat, Watershed
Awareness, Education & Engagement
Water
Project Status: 
In Progress
Affiliated Department, Unit or College: 
IDEASS
Project Location: 
Both on and off campus



Stakeholder Contacts: 
Contact NameEmail AddressDepartment
Tamara Bell
tball@ucsc.edu
IDEASS Coordinator
How to Join: 
To join this project, join IDEASS in the fall. IDEASS is a year long internship that will allow you to help in the implementation of rainwater catchment systems and LIDs at Bay View.
Funding Sources: 
DROPS Grant
Carbon Fund

Project Description: 

The overarching objective of the DROPS project in Santa Cruz is to raise awareness for alternative water retention and mitigation techniques. By implementing LIDs such as raingardens, rainwater catchment tanks, bioswales, and permeable pathways and playgrounds to Bayview elementary school, we hope to set an example for the community at large for sustainable water practices. The main goals of the LIDs are to mitigate polluted stormwater runoff, recharge groundwater aquifers, and reduce the energy needed to transport water. By creating curriculum to teach to students, creating and showing a documentary, and setting up public outreach events, DROPS aims to demonstrate to the community that rainwater catchment tanks and other LIDs are a viable and beneficial option.

Metrics for Success: 

We will measure our success in gallons of water saved, as well as public awareness of decentralized water systems thought public opinion polls.

Result Categories: 
Infrastructure/Built Environment
Results: 

IDEASS DROPS will develop rainwater catchment systems, as well as LIDs at Bay View Elementary School. This project will allow the Bay View Life Lab to irrigate their garden and allow students to gain an understanding of their water consumption. If successful, this project will save a substantial amount of runoff and pollution and will raise awareness about decentralized water systems for the community. It will also serve as a model for the city to consider when making future decisions about stormwater.