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Gschu54 t1_iy8k8u9 wrote

>instead of running off

Runoff to where. It's illegal to collect rainwater in the US for a reason. That water doesn't just disappear.

Stuff like this needs to be evaluated by civil and environmental engineers

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AwesoMegan t1_iy8lc95 wrote

The point is that it's staying in a smaller area so it can drain slowly into the ground, instead of running off parched hydrophobic soil to a far away spot. It restores groundwater locally by slowing the drainage and allowing plants to grow there.

It's also not illegal to collect rainwater in many places there's just limits as to how much you can collect and store at once.

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topcheesehead t1_iy8lzhw wrote

It's illegal to that but not this

Arizona is going through a historic drought and we are letting our public officials steal from the people of Arizona

https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2022/11/03/when-saudi-arabia-comes-to-town-and-buys-all-your-water/#:~:text=Since%202014%2C%20the%20Saudi%20company,Arabia%20to%20feed%20their%20cattle.

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tekalon t1_iy8v99c wrote

Usually runoff to a nearby river, taking a lot of soil nutrients with it.

Many engineers know about it, the 'problem' is that it takes a lot of time, unused land and man/machine labor to build. If OP and I watched the same documentary, it took a whole village months to build these wadis in areas that weren't being used. Other places that similar techniques are being used on private land for those that are willing to spend the time to experiment based on the needs of that area.

In the US there are beaver relocation programs - beavers don't build wadis but they do build reservoirs and wetlands that give the same result. Same downsides. Beavers can build in areas that can cause flooding and damage to other infrastructure. Identifying areas that would benefit having beavers building dams and the relocation process take time, effort, coordination and money to complete.

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BafangFan t1_iy8zl5q wrote

This one guy in Arizona is doing a pretty good job for his neighborhood. Everyone could do a little something themselves and it would make a big difference

https://youtu.be/KcAMXm9zITg

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GonWithTheNen t1_iyakezv wrote

When I visited the video I thought, "Oh, 52 minutes? I'll just watch a bit." But here I am an hour later after watching the whole thing. :p

Brad and his brother began something brilliant, and it's a joy to see that Brad is still going at it - still with the same infectious joy and energy! It's amazing seeing how lush Dunbar Spring has become.

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it200219 t1_iy8ksdi wrote

could be more regulatory than env. for the US. If you are not using env. purpose where it goes underground it's fair but you store it in a container or your own well then you may be in trouble. Heard from a colleague who comes from farmer family

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dreamWeaver82 t1_iy8z3m5 wrote

It is not illegal in the US. Maybe it's illegal in your state or county but not mine. Here we use rain barrels because we have too much rain for our sewers to handle.

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