Publication Date
4-7-2007
Abstract
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation received a $1 million grant from the EPA under the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program to fund a 5-year multi-part demonstration and research project in the Ipswich River Watershed. Four low-impact development (LID) and five water conservation demonstration projects were implemented and studied in the watershed. Projects include: 1) a green roof; 2) LID subdivision; 3) redevelopment of a town beach parking lot using permeable pavement and bioretention; 4) retrofit of a neighborhood with pocket raingardens and permeable pavers; 5) enhancement of a town athletic field with moisture-retaining soil amendments; 6) rainwater harvesting; 7) weather-sensitive (“smart”) irrigation controllers at residences and athletic fields; 8) indoor fixture retrofits and low-flow appliance rebates; and 9) conversion from semi-annual to monthly water billing for residential customers. Additionally, a watershed-wide modeling effort conducted in partnership with USGS evaluated the potential benefit of these approaches if implemented widely across the watershed. Demonstration projects are described, including results from studies evaluating the effectiveness of each strategy in improving recharge and/or water quality or in reducing water demand. Most demonstrations provide interesting quantitative and qualitative results and suggest critical considerations for future studies. Watershed modeling results are also discussed, highlighting the importance of scale when evaluating hydrologic responses expected from the theoretical widespread implementation of LID and water conservation strategies.