More on Water Harvesting and Cisterns in Tucson

July 29, 2009 | By Kelley Koehler | Filed Under Repair Renovate Maintain, Tucson Homes Explained

Thoughts and comments from local architect Jake Boen on Rain Water Harvesting…

Neighbors most likely are the largest obstacle on installing a cistern without stirring the pot. I doubt that many CC&Rs even discuss harvesting or cisterns but I would still check any design guidelines or architectural review that a HOA may have for any home additions or modifications. I doubt they can do much if you install this in your back yard but side yards and front yards could become problematic if you don’t submit your plans for approval first.

Permits – Yes and No. For most cisterns a building permit will not be required but a zoning permit typically is required. The City of Tucson recently issued a memorandum for clarification of Zoning regulations regarding water harvesting cisterns. This memorandum is mandatory reading prior to planing size and placement of any cisterns within the City limits. Essentially size and height may limit placement or invoke screening requirements. Refer to the Land Use Code and: http://www.tucsonaz.gov/dsd/What_s_New/official_cistern_determination.pdf for specifics.

A few years ago I attended a 2 day regional storm water management and rainwater harvesting conference and came away with a better understanding on a lot of what to do and what not to do with water harvesting. This includes a very important but often overlooked design aspect of how to get the water out of the cistern without clogging your shut off valve with dust and debris which will build up in the cistern. A float and flexible inlet pipe allows debris to settle to the bottom and allows debris to build up without causing problems and allows a greater window before maintenance must be performed. This would apply to large complex designs as well as some of the simplest of cistern designs.

Maintenance and responsibility can be an issue. No one wants mosquito breeding. Covers allowing water to flow in but keeping mosquitos out are important. A foam float or thick cooler pads on a foam float can allow water to flow in but keep bugs out. I have also seen large cisterns which utilized fish to take care of bug problems. Other designs will pipe water directly into an enclosed design.

Some companies in town are now offering corrugated metal cisterns with a foundation pre-installed. They are simply set on a level pad and downspouts can be installed to divert water to the cistern. Installation doesn’t get any quicker than that. The size is limited but one does get instant gratification and water harvesting.

Touching on the design issue again I would recommend that clients hire a company or perform careful research on permits, sizing of cisterns, detailing of inlets and outlets, and sizing of structural foundations. A column of water 8 feet in the air most certainly weighs a lot and should be a design concern when placing next to existing structures or on areas which do not drain well.

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Thanks for giving us your thoughts, sir!

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