Rain in the desert has a way of getting our attention. We step outside and take a deep breath to catch that unmistakable scent of desert rain – a fresh, earthy aroma known as petrichor, made even more distinctive by the fragrance of rain-soaked creosote. Then, we check the rain gauge. We send photos to friends or post them on …
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Do you know who provides your water — or what conservation programs are available right in your neighborhood? You may be surprised. Many Arizona residents don’t realize their water provider may be different from the city or town where they live. A quick address search can reveal who delivers your water. Moreover, it shows what resources are available to you …
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El Niño is often portrayed as a reliable weather pattern that brings wetter winters to the Southwest. While that has frequently been true in the past, it isn’t guaranteed. Every El Niño develops under different conditions, and this year’s event highlights just how complex these climate patterns can be. Several oceanic and atmospheric systems are interacting at the same time. …
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Hey friends! Wayne Drop here – your favorite water-saving hero with some exciting news. This spring, I got to be the star of the 2026 “Save Water with Wayne Drop” Sticker Contest, and let me tell you… I was totally blown away by the amazing designs from fourth graders all across Arizona! A …
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The Lower Salt River has long been one of Arizona’s most visited desert waterways. Here, cool flowing water cuts through the Sonoran landscape and creates a seasonal gathering place for recreation, wildlife, and community. As tubing season approaches each year, increased foot traffic along the riverbanks brings both opportunity and impact. Therefore, early-season stewardship has become an important part of …
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Celebrate Water Awareness Month April is Arizona Water Awareness Month. It is a time to celebrate and show your appreciation for Arizona’s most precious resource – Water! Whether you are just starting your water conservation journey or are already an expert water saver, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Water Awareness Month. For example, here are some of our …
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Hey there, water-saving superstars! It’s me, Wayne Drop, your friendly neighborhood water droplet, with some big news and a call for help. Water – Use It Wisely is excited to announce the return of the ‘Save Water with Wayne Drop’ Sticker Contest, and we are looking for creative artists to help design an official set of Water – Use …
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As 2025 comes to a close, we’re celebrating the blog posts that inspired readers to care for their landscapes, conserve water, and support the desert environment. From expert tips on pruning and xeriscape conversions to guides on pollinators, water use, and desert-friendly plants, these articles provided practical advice, innovative ideas, and eye-opening insights. 1. Plant of the Month: Guayacán …
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Submit Your Shots today! A WORLD OF WATER The WRRC Annual Photo Contest is back! This is your chance to capture A World of Water, which is the 2025 contest theme. Use your creativity and technical ability to express the many ways water transforms our world and how humanity transforms water. From ANY LOCATION, we invite you to capture how water …
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On Wednesday, Sept. 10, Mayor Mark Freeman joined Wyland Foundation President and CEO Steve Creech at Kerr Center for Agriscience. They gathered to honor Mesa’s big win in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Mesa earned first place in the 300,000–599,999 population category. It was one of five cities nationwide recognized. This recognition was for achieving the highest …
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Hey friends! Wayne Drop here – your favorite water-saving hero with some exciting news.This spring, I got to be the star of the 2025 “Save Water with Wayne Drop” Sticker Contest, and let me tell you… I was totally blown away by the amazing designs from fourth graders all across Arizona! A Flood …
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The Results Are In… Celebrate the Winners of the 2024 WRRC Photo Contest! The Water Resources Research Center (WRRC) wrapped up another incredible year of its annual photo contest. Once again, photographers from across the state wowed us with their creativity and perspective. Each year, this contest provides an opportunity for photographers of all levels to share their unique perspectives …
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