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Water Use Archive
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Ecocity Challenges
Freiburg is known as an ecocity. The newly built neighbourhoods of Vauban and Rieselfeld were developed and built according to the idea of sustainability. The citizens of Freiburg are known in Germany for their love of cycling and recycling. This past December, as climate talks in Copenhagen commenced, I sat in talks in Istanbul listening [...]
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Water Conservation and Drought-Tolerant Power
A solar thermal power plant that uses a tower. Recent disputes over water use in deserts that are well suited for solar thermal power plants have illustrated the need for a holistic approach to urban needs. Solar thermal plants use cheaper technology than photovoltaics (solar panels), but require substantial water because mirrors heat a liquid [...]
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Rainwater Harvesting Policies Throughout the US
Photo: “IWS – watercache.com”; 5600 gallon commercial rainwater collection system for LEED Gold rated fire station in Denton, Texas. Rainwater is used to irrigate native plant landscaping around the station. As battles over water rights rage and profligate water usage continues in many places, policy makers will have to find tools to lead communities towards [...]
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Rainwater Catchment Ordinance
In October of 2008, the city of Tucson, Arizona became the first municipality in the country to require developers of commercial properties to harvest rainwater for landscaping. The new measure – approved by a unanimous vote by the City Council – requires that new developments meet 50% of their landscaping water requirements by capturing rainwater.