Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Tanks or reservoirs are required when the water demand exceeds the water supply. Automating and coordinating the filling of multiple tanks from multiple wells with the application of irrigation was one of the key aspects of the project.
Location: Superior, Arizona
Year Complete: In Construction
Project Lead: Wilder Landscape Architects
Client: Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Wilder is working with Boyce Thompson Arboretum to develop a centralized, water efficient, durable system that will adjust watering based on local ET and provide flow alerts to staff. The existing system, installed in the mid-1900s, does not allow for any understanding of how much water is used, and requires constant maintenance of failing components.
The project was addressed in the following main steps:
Establishment of existing water demand and storage requirements.
Evaluation of the existing irrigation system and future plans, as well as ongoing staff maintenance capabilities.
Development of an existing conditions base plan. This was done in conjunction with Arboretum staff.
Provision of proposed irrigation plan, incorporating existing system modifications. Review of proposed plans with Arboretum staff, and incorporation of comments through an iterative process.
Coordination with Irrigation Contractor prior to bidding and continuing design oversight and contractor assistance during construction.
Inspecting existing lake filtration.
Miles of HDPE supply lines fill tanks and Ayer Lake soon to be valved for automated operation.
Draining Ayer Lake gave the crew a good opportunity to install the submerged suction pre-filter