UA News

UA hydrologist James Riley will offer ideas and strategies on capturing an ephemeral desert resource.

Rain hasn't generally been thought of as an abundant source of water in the desert. But a University of Arizona researcher insists that even occasional rainfall produces surprising amounts of moisture. Harvesting this bounty, he says, can take a significant edge off of the long dry stretches in between storms.

James Riley, an associate professor of soil, water and environmental science at the UA, will present a short talk at the next Science Café, hosted by Flandrau: The UA Science Center. The event is Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 6 p.m. at the  Cushing Street Bar and Restaurant in Downtown Tucson.

Riley, a longtime Tucsonan and UA faculty member, will teach some simple and effective methods for conserving water that can be set up in any backyard. A 1,000 square-foot roof, for instance, can harvest 600 gallons of water from an inch of rainfall. The technologies for rainwater harvesting, some new and some ancient, are simple and effective.  

Riley, who spent 18 years working on agriculture projects in Sudan, Taiwan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has used these skills and expertise to help local businesses and industries harness precious water resources. Riley also works with students, faculty and staff at the UA, teaching water harvesting techniques and implementing water harvesting projects.

At the Science Café, Riley will discuss how to plan, design and build sustainable water-harvesting systems for the home, landscape, garden and neighborhood. That includes insights on site resources such as rainwater, soil, sun, vegetation and more, and suggestions on strategies to maximize their potential.

Flandrau program coordinator Shipherd Reed will keep the discussion lively, on track and over by 7:30 p.m. Following the program, audience members will have the opportunity to submit ideas for future Science Café events.

Cushing Street Bar and Restaurant is located on the corner of Cushing Street and Meyer Avenue in Downtown Tucson, directly south of the Convention Center. Complimentary, lighted, on-site parking is available on the east side of the restaurant.