News & Events

April = Celebrations of Nature & Water

March 13, 2024

Spring is in the air, and so is the spirit of water conservation! This April, Water – Use It Wisely is gearing up for several exciting events that highlight the importance of water-saving efforts. A variety of activities – from Water Awareness Month to Earth Day to Arbor Day – means that there are plenty of opportunities to have fun …

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Plant of the Month: Shades of Green

March 8, 2024

Shamrocks Aren’t the Only Green Plant to Celebrate in March I hear that wearing green will make you invisible to leprechauns so you can avoid being pinched. Some say it will bring you good luck. Even beyond March and St. Patrick’s Day, green is often used for interior decorating for its calming effect? You’ve likely heard about television guests waiting …

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blue euphorbia

Desert Landscape Design Ideas Now Available from Phoenix

February 21, 2024

Your journey to creating or maintaining a water-wise landscape is now even easier thanks to the resources provided by the city of Phoenix Water Services Department. Phoenix Water recently collaborated with design experts from Arizona State University to produce free, easy-to-use desert landscape, or xeriscape, design guides that anyone can download. The Desert Landscapes in Your Front Yard guides were …

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Water – Plant It Wisely: Everything You Need for Spring Planting!

February 12, 2024

This spring, learn how beautiful water conservation can be.  Spring is in the air; in the sweetness of the citrus buds, in the warmth against your skin, and in the vibrant colors of blooming shrubs. Time to put your garden gloves and shovel to work and get your landscaping on par with the rest of Mother Nature. Water – Plant …

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You are invited to SRP’s Water Conservation Expo!

February 6, 2024

  Saving Water is What This Expo is About Are you interested in learning about water conservation and saving money on water-efficient upgrades? Join us in person on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 8 a.m. – noon at PERA for the water-saving event of the year, the SRP Water Conservation Expo! Purchase a smart irrigation controller for $60 + tax …

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Plant of the Month – Brittlebush

January 24, 2024

This month, our plant of the month blog features another plant description from a newly revised book, Cool Plants for Hot Gardens by Greg Starr! In his book, Greg features 150 water-smart choices for the Southwest – it’s no wonder why we like the book so much here at Water – Use It Wisely! He includes a fun category of the “Etymology” …

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Five Favorite Blogs of 2023

January 17, 2024

As we wade into the promising ventures of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the wisdom shared in the past year. In this blog post, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on our five favorite blogs of 2023 that made a significant splash. So, let’s jump right in and explore the top picks that set the tone for water-saving last …

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10 Water-Saving Resolutions for 2024

January 9, 2024

  2024 is here and water conservation is more important than ever. As we embark on a new year, we’ve rounded up 10 easy water-saving resolutions, to make 2024 the year of a more water-conscious lifestyle. Whether you’re a gardening guru or just getting your feet wet in water conservation, these resolutions are here to turn your everyday routines into …

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Xeriscape Gardens – Great Outdoor Escapes

December 19, 2023

Local Xeriscape Gardens. Great holiday getaways for landscaping ideas. You’ve heard about the benefits of forest bathing? Well, in the desert we have xeriscape bathing. Arizona’s many xeriscape demonstration gardens are perfect outdoor getaways during the holiday season. They provide calming places to relax, to enjoy light exercise, and to pick up pointers on how to incorporate xeriscaping ideas into your …

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xeriscape demonstration garden

Gift Ideas That Keep On Saving

December 10, 2023

‘Tis the season of giving… and saving! Look no further than this Water – Use It Wisely approved holiday wish list. WaterSense Labeled Fixtures Who doesn’t want a gift that keeps on giving month after month with water and even energy savings? WaterSense labeled fixtures like a showerhead, irrigation controller, bathroom faucet, and how about a regular or dual-flush toilet? …

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Plant of the Month – Bear Grass

December 7, 2023

Bear Grass Plant Description Bear Grass, Nolina microcarpa, looks like a clump of coarse grass, at maturity 4 feet high and 6 feet wide. The leaves are 3-4 feet long and about 1/4-inch wide at the base, narrowing to a frayed tip. The leaf margins are finely toothed. A loose cluster of greenish white flowers appears on a 3-foot stalk …

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Superstition Springs Transit Center Planting Event Restores Desert Landscaping

November 30, 2023

Beautiful trees and shrubs, including milkweed and other pollinator-friendly varieties, now grace the walkways and parking areas of the Superstition Springs Transit Center. This transformative project is the result of collaborative efforts between Mesa and its partners: Meta, Mesa High School, and the Arizona Sustainability Alliance. Additional support for the initiative came from Valley Metro and the Superstition Springs Center …

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