LID TOOLBOX

The following LID strategies can be adapted to suit the unique environmental conditions of the Chihuahua Desert. Each tool focuses on managing stormwater naturally while supporting the desert ecosystem.

1. Bioswale
   A bioswale is a landscape feature designed to capture, filter, and manage stormwater runoff. Typically planted with native vegetation, bioswales slow down and treat runoff by allowing water to filter through the soil and plants before it reaches water bodies. In the Chihuahua Desert, native plant species adapted to drought conditions, such as desert grasses and shrubs, can thrive in bioswales, promoting both water management and habitat restoration.
   
   
   
2. Cistern
   A cistern is a rainwater harvesting system designed to collect and store rainwater for future use. In desert regions, where rainfall is limited, cisterns are an efficient way to capture precious rainwater during storms for later irrigation or other non-potable uses. Installing a cistern can reduce reliance on municipal water systems and ensure that water is available during dry periods.
   
   
   
3. Constructed Storm Wetlands
   Constructed storm wetlands are artificial wetlands designed to mimic the functions of natural wetlands, including the filtration and absorption of stormwater. In the desert, these systems can be particularly useful for improving water quality and supporting local wildlife by creating new habitats that blend with the natural landscape. They may also be designed as a public amenity, although this application may be limited in highly urbanized settings.
   
   
   
4. Green Roof
   A green roof is a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation. In the Chihuahua Desert, green roofs can reduce the heat island effect, improve air quality, and reduce stormwater runoff by absorbing rainwater. Moreover, they enhance building insulation and contribute to energy savings by reducing the need for air conditioning.
   
   
   
5. Permeable Pavement
   Permeable pavement refers to materials that allow water to pass through them and be absorbed into the ground rather than running off the surface. This can be especially valuable in urban areas of the Chihuahua Desert, where high levels of impervious surfaces, like concrete, prevent water from naturally filtering into the soil. Permeable paving options, such as porous asphalt, interlocking pavers, or gravel, provide a sustainable alternative to traditional pavement.
   
   
   
6. Rain Barrel
   A rain barrel is a container used to collect and store rainwater from rooftops. This tool is an affordable and simple way to manage stormwater on-site, especially in desert climates where water conservation is essential. Rain barrels can be used to water gardens or landscape areas during dry periods, reducing the demand on municipal water supplies.
   
   
   
7. Rain Garden
   A rain garden is a planted depression or basin that captures stormwater runoff, allowing it to slowly infiltrate into the ground. These gardens are typically planted with native, drought-tolerant plants that thrive in desert climates. Rain gardens help reduce runoff, recharge groundwater, and promote local biodiversity by supporting native species.
   
   
   
8. Stormwater Planter Box
   A stormwater planter box is a small-scale rain garden, often incorporated into urban streetscapes or commercial developments. These planter boxes capture runoff from impervious surfaces, filtering water through soil and plant roots. In the Chihuahua Desert, choosing drought-tolerant plants for these planters ensures that they remain sustainable even with limited rainfall.
   
   
   
9. Underground Storage
   Underground storage systems are used to capture and store stormwater beneath the ground, preventing it from flowing into storm drains and reducing the risk of flooding. In desert regions, these systems are often employed in areas with limited surface space, providing a hidden yet effective way to manage water without detracting from the landscape's aesthetic.
   
   
   
10. Vegetated Filter Strip
    A vegetated filter strip is a grassy or planted area that slows down and filters stormwater before it enters a water body. These strips can be strategically placed along roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces to manage runoff and reduce pollutants. The plants in these strips can also help prevent erosion and enhance the visual appeal of urban areas in the Chihuahua Desert.
    
    
11. Vegetated Swale
    A vegetated swale is a shallow, vegetated channel designed to slow, filter, and direct stormwater runoff. It can be particularly useful in desert regions where flash flooding is a concern. These swales help prevent erosion and promote water infiltration while providing habitat for native plants and animals.
    
    
    

Maintenance Checklist [PDF]
Inspection & Maintenance Schedule: Green Roofs [PDF]