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We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of a groundwater recharge project at Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood, AZ. The project was completed as part of the River Friendly Living program which encourages sustainable water practices. This project highlights groundwater recharge infrastructure as a solution for flood control and water management issues. Historically, runoff from the school would flood the intersection of Camino Real and Fir. This causes hazards and carries pollution to the Verde River.
The project controls that runoff by allowing it to slow down and sink into the ground before leaving the school property. This was made possible through a collaborative effort between Mingus Union High School, Friends of the Verde River, The Nature Conservancy, and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. Additional partnerships included the City of Cottonwood and the Yavapai County Flood Control District.
The Problem
The project aimed to address a critical drainage issue caused by a campus parking lot and a block of school buildings at the intersection of Camino Real and Fir St. The runoff from this lot was causing flooding on the roadway and carrying pollutants directly into the river system. The situation posed challenges for the City of Cottonwood and was listed as the #5 priority on their Drainage Master Plan, emphasizing the urgency and importance of finding a sustainable solution.
The Solution
Working in partnership with various stakeholders, the River Friendly Living project implemented a two-pronged approach:
Groundwater Recharge Infrastructure: A decorative gabion wall and a series of infiltration trenches were constructed to regulate the flow of water from the parking lot. This design allowed for the gradual absorption of water into the ground, reducing erosion and preventing sediment from entering the Verde River.
Verde River Exchange Participation: The infiltrated water is now being counted as credits in the Verde River Exchange, a pioneering “water offset program.” By purchasing credits, groundwater users can offset the impact of their water consumption. The estimated infiltration of about 2 million gallons annually from this project alone is a significant contribution to the program. It is equivalent to offsetting the water footprint of approximately 25 homes in the Verde Valley per year.
The Benefits
The completion of the River Friendly Living project has brought forth numerous benefits for both the environment and the community:
Preservation of the Verde River: Reduced erosion and sediment flow from the site will help support a healthier river habitat for local plants and animals.
Groundwater Recharge: The infiltration trenches facilitate groundwater recharge, replenishing underground aquifers. This sustainable water management technique ensures a more stable water supply for the future, benefiting both current and future generations. This project supports the recharge of about 2 million gallons of water per year.
Pollution Reduction: By slowing down the water and allowing it to permeate into the ground, the water is filtered through the soil. This acts as a bio filter, cleaning the water of the pollution caused by chemicals used in cars.
Community-Wide Impact: This project generates water offset credits by recharging groundwater. Local residents that wish to reduce their water footprint can purchase water credits to minimize their personal impact on the Verde River. Additionally, water demand for new growth can be mitigated when paired with projects like this.
The completion of the River Friendly Living project is a true testament to the power of collaboration. By harnessing the expertise of various partners and stakeholders, we have created a model for effective flood control using groundwater recharge infrastructure. This endeavor not only benefits our local environment, but also sets an example for other communities to follow.
As business professionals and community members, your support for such projects is instrumental in driving positive change. Together, we can continue to protect and preserve the natural wonders that make our region so unique and prosperous.
You can support these projects and help grow community awareness by participating in the River Friendly Living program! Learn more at VerdeRiver.org/Get-Involved.
Let us celebrate this remarkable achievement, and let it inspire us to embark on more projects that promote river-friendly living and sustainable practices for a brighter and greener future.
