The City of Santa Fe announced on April 29 that it has started a pilot study aimed at improving how the city manages stormwater. The project is a collaboration between the city’s River and Watershed Section, the University of New Mexico Biology Department, and The RainCatcher, Inc.
This initiative matters because effective stormwater management can help reduce pollution, support groundwater recharge, and make urban landscapes more resilient. As cities face increasing challenges from climate change and water scarcity, new approaches like this may play an important role in long-term sustainability.
Five specialized rain garden basins have been installed along Siringo Road between Pacheco Street and Calle Contenta as part of Santa Fe’s “Runoff to Roots” campaign. These basins are designed to capture stormwater runoff while collecting data on how water moves through soil at different depths. Over the next two years, researchers will evaluate how well these systems retain moisture, filter pollutants, and support groundwater replenishment.
Zoe Isaacson, River and Watershed Manager for the City of Santa Fe, said: “This data is the foundation for planning a more resilient city. By understanding exactly how much water is available and for how long, we can select the most resilient combinations of plants and fungi for our parks and open spaces, ensuring that every gallon of rain helps grow a cleaner and greener Santa Fe without the need for supplemental water sources.”
The results from this study are expected to inform future landscape design choices across Santa Fe. Officials say they hope these efforts will ensure that rainfall is used efficiently throughout public spaces.
