Conduct research on the aquifer-recharge efficiency of septic tank/leach field wastewater treatment systems in arid and semi-arid climates.  The Arizona Department of Water Resources does not include the recharge of effluent from such systems in its water budgets thereby reducing budget accuracy.  Yavapai County is expected to see an increase in the number of these systems; therefore, it will be increasingly important to determine their recharge efficiency and contributions.

Examine the potential for increasing recharge in the Big Chino area.

Complete a geomorphic assessment of Granite Creek and its tributaries within the Upper Granite Creek Watershed. Baseline data for Watson Woods Riparian Preserve (~1 mile of the ~60 miles of creek in the watershed) are available. The methodologies used at Watson Woods  (see: http://prescottcreeks.org/outreach/publications.htm) could likely be adapted.

Historic research regarding surface flow and riparian area extent in the watershed and documentation of change over the past century or so. This is a qualitative project in nature, but highly valuable and may have connotations for climate change, water importation issues, etc.  Sharlot Hall Museum (in Prescott) may have pictures showing historic creek conditions. It could be enlightening to repeat the early shots and tell the story of how things have changed.

Geographic Information Science database development and modeling for the Granite Creek Watershed. It would be particularly interesting to look at the percentage of impervious surfaces within the upper watershed and use the Center For Watershed Protection index to assess watershed condition, or to use current figures, rate of growth, etc. to develop a model for future possible conditions. This could be relevant to a whole host of issues ranging from local impaired waters to open space acquisition, to regional (Verde River Watershed) water issues.