Author: Isaac Gendler

Managed Aquifer Recharge

Managed Aquifer Recharge

Managed Aquifer Recharge

11/07/26

“How can we recharge aquifers as part of a water management strategy?”

Communities all over the world rely on groundwater from aquifers for their livelihoods. However, uncontrolled groundwater extraction can endanger these aquifers. So what if we were to create a system that would recharge aquifers during wet periods and discharge them in dry periods? Well, this strategy is known as Managed Aquifer Recharge. Managed aquifer recharge can use many techniques, ranging from recharge basins to injection wells.

Controlled Flow Roof Drains

Controlled Flow Roof Drains

Controlled Flow Roof Drains

11/06/26

“Why might we want to control how much water flows off a roof?”

Roof drains move water off a roof. However, if too much water flowing out at once can overwhelm nearby sewer systems. Controlled Flow Roof Drains solve this problem by restricting the rate of water removal. Controlled flow roof drains can help prevent combined sewer overflows from occurring.

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Special Assessments

Special Assessments

Special Assessments

11/05/26

“How can we issue special fees to property owners to cover large unexpected costs?”

It’s common for municipalities, HOAs, and co-op/condo boards to charge regular fees to cover maintenance costs. However, large unexpected events may incur incredibly high costs. Governing entities can cover this deficit by issuing Special Assessments, or one–time fees to collect revenue to cover improvements and maintenance. Special assessments can only be levied on people who will receive the benefits of the improvement in an equal/fair manner commensurate with the expense needed. Projects that can get funded by a special assessment range from sewer improvements to emergency repairs.

Airplane Runways

Airplane Runways

Airplane Runways

11/04/26

“What surface do airplanes use to land and take off?”

Airplanes need a ground surface to accelerate to generate thrust for lift-off and decelerate to stop. One of the most efficient ways to accomplish this is to use an elongated linear surface called an Airplane Runway. People can make airplane runways from artificial materials (such as asphalt or concrete) or natural materials (such as grass, dirt, and even ice). Airport runways are typically designed parallel to the local prevailing wind to avoid complications and give extra thrust for taking off.

The Horse Latitudes

The Horse Latitudes

The Horse Latitudes

11/03/26

“What’s so special about the latitudes 30 degrees north and south of the equator?”

Warm air typically rises at the equator. This air then sinks 30 degrees north and south of the equator, causing stable, warm high-pressure conditions. Major deserts like the Namib, Sahara, Arabian, Australian, and Atacama Deserts form at these latitudes. These latitudes are often called The Horse Latitudes because old legends say ships got stuck there and were forced to dump horses to conserve supplies.

Stormwater Risers

Stormwater Risers

Stormwater Risers

11/02/26

“How can we connect catch basins to sewer systems using a vertical pipe?”

Catch basins hold rainwater, and sewer systems carry water away. These can connect to vertical pipes called Stormwater Risers. Stormwater risers safely separate detention systems from sewer systems while giving maintenance professionals access to visually inspect sewer pipes from above.

Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply

Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply

Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply

11/01/26

“Why may Philadelphia need to install desalination units in its water supply?”

The Delaware River is suffering from major saltwater intrusion from sea-level rise and over-extraction. Philadelphia relies on the Delaware River for most of its drinking water. The freshwater-saltwater interface may soon reach Philadelphia’s drinking water supply. Installing desalination units is one adaptation strategy. This is Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply.

Blackwater Rivers

Blackwater Rivers

Blackwater Rivers

10/31/26

“Why are some rivers darker and slow-moving?”

Warm, damp forests have lots of vegetation. This vegetation can fall into rivers, clogging the waters with decaying organic matter. The dissolved compounds turn the river dark and acidic, and the inertia from the dead weight slows the water down. These Blackwater Rivers are largely nutrient-poor due to their acidic waters.

Mires

Mires

Mires

10/30/26

“How do we classify peatlands that still produce peat?”

Peatlands may no longer produce peat if they are burned or drained. Peatlands that are still waterlogged and produce peat are called Mires.