By Gianna Benelli, Civil Engineering Major, Mentor Morika Vorenberg Henseley.
Santa Fe, New Mexico faces increasing pressure on its limited water resources, yet large amounts of rainwater and stormwater runoff are not being effectively utilized. Current infrastructure is not fully equipped to capture and harvest this water, allowing it to flow away unused while contributing to drainage issues and missed opportunities for conservation. This project proposes equipping Santa Fe with increased Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI), including rain gardens,(which harvest water through a shallow dip in a landscape with native deep rooted plants), improved drainage systems, and curb cuts (a small opening in a curb to redirect stormwater runoff). This will allow the city to better capture and manage rainwater. By redirecting and harvesting stormwater, the city can reduce runoff while supporting landscape irrigation and decrease reliance on potable water supplies for non-drinking purposes. Implementing GSI would not only improve water management but also help relieve pressure on New Mexico’s limited freshwater resources, allowing treated water supplies to be prioritized for drinking and other essential uses. Expanding green infrastructure in Santa Fe offers a sustainable and practical strategy to address water scarcity while increasing community resilience and involvement.