Water Conservation and Green Infrastructure Adaptations to Reduce Water Scarcity for Residential Areas with Semi-Arid Climate: Mineral de la Reforma, Mexico

Abstract

The increasing population and urban sprawl will continue to add significant pressure to natural resources in arid and semi-arid zones. This study evaluates the theoretical effectiveness of adapting resilient strategies such as water conservation and green infrastructure to mitigate the water scarcity faced by the inhabitants of a residential area with a semi-arid climate. Three scenarios were analyzed at a micro-basin level to determine the mitigation of surface runoff and the volume that can be theoretically intercepted for further use: (a) unaltered natural watershed (scenario 1), (b) currently urbanized watershed (scenario 2), and (c) watershed adapted with resilient strategies (scenario 3). For this last scenario, the annual usable volume of rainwater intercepted on the dwelling rooftops was obtained. The runoff and peak flow in the natural watershed were lower than in the other two scenarios. In contrast, a decrease in the runoff was observed in scenario 3 concerning scenario 2, which indicates that the interception of rainwater on house roofs and the adoption of green infrastructure solutions would significantly reduce the diameter of urban drainage pipes required in new developments, as well as the dependency of inhabitants on potable water services. In sites with semi-arid climates, it is possible to take advantage of the rainwater harvested on rooftops and the runoff intercepted through green infrastructure to mitigate local water scarcity problems, which should be considered and adopted in new residential developments.

Soil Sealing and Hydrological Changes during the Development of the University Campus of Elche (Spain)

“…As alternatives to mitigate surface runoff increase, nature-based solutions have been implemented around the world as a transition to more sustainable and holistic approaches to stormwater management [ 26 ]. Low Impact Development (LID) systems and practices such as bioretention cells, rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavements increase surface runoff volumes retention and are able to maintain or restore the original hydrologic cycle and its ecological functions in semi-arid urban areas [ 59 , 62 ]. As a first approximation of how the campus would have responded if green roofs and permeable pavements had been considered in the development processes, Scenario 3 was evaluated.…”

Plants from Arid and Semi-Arid Zones of Mexico Used to Treat Respiratory Diseases: A Review

“…The arid lands cover 60% of its surface. In a semi-arid zone, annual rainfall is between 250 and Plants 2024, 13, 792 2 of 26 500 mm (Figure 1) [4]. The regions with arid and semi-arid zones in Mexico are Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, Baja California, and Sonora [5,6].…”

Research on Ecological Design of Intelligent Manhole Covers Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process

“…The integration of intelligent rainwater manhole covers can create a more systematic, intelligent, and ecological sponge facility. It not only ensures a stable water supply for plants but also reduces urban flooding and mitigates water scarcity issues [8]. Furthermore, the design of intelligent grass manhole covers with sponge features enhances the esthetic appeal of urban space and seamlessly integrates with other landscape elements.…”