Merritt Horticulture College Living Water System

Oakland, California | Design Engineer

Context: The Merritt Horticulture Center, a premier horticultural facility, faced stormwater management challenges that impacted its operations and the surrounding environment. The site's existing infrastructure was insufficient to handle heavy rainfall events, leading to erosion, water quality issues, and strain on local waterways.

Task: The objective was to design and implement a comprehensive stormwater management system that would mitigate these issues, improve water quality, and enhance the site's ecological value. This involved reconciling discrepancies in existing utility and storm drain pipe network surveys to ensure accurate system design and implementation.

Approach: A multi-faceted approach was taken, incorporating green infrastructure and low-impact development strategies. This included the installation of rain gardens, decentralized bioretentions, and permeable pavements to reduce impervious surfaces and promote infiltration. The design also featured a stormwater harvesting system, allowing for irrigation and reducing potable water demand. These measures aimed to restore the natural hydrologic cycle, improve water quality, and create a showcase for ecological stormwater management practices.