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In the name of water conservation, assisting biodiversity and reducing the heat island effect among other environmental benefits, City of Phoenix has released its new GSI Handbook for Residents online in both English and Spanish.
The city is actively promoting and encouraging using GSI, or Green Stormwater Infrastructure, elements to capture and use stormwater. The GSI Handbook was designed to help educate the public on how to upgrade their yards for water conservation and ecosystem benefit, while also beautifying their properties. Improving a home’s visual aesthetic while also conserving water and supporting wildlife like birds and butterflies; a win-win.
“Everything in this information-packed and highly-visual new handbook gives our residents and city an opportunity to receive the important benefits of GSI integration, all while embracing our beautiful Sonoran desert and honoring the wonder of this region,” said Environmental Program Manager Tricia Balluff.
GSI features work best as more and more people implement them, achieving greater stormwater management, shade cover and other benefits. These smaller steps added together across a community can move the environmental needle.
The free 25-page booklet offers inspiration and design considerations for stormwater harvesting basins, permeable hardscapes, rain barrels, gutters, curb openings and bioswales. It also includes recommended native plant options, soil considerations, irrigation recommendations and permitting guidance.
