Archive for “Conservation” Category

News & Events

See Which Photo Contest Submission “Rains” Supreme

July 17, 2014

The second annual Water – Use It Wisely photo contest is a wrap, and we have a winner! After reviewing over 1,000 incredible images celebrating water throughout Arizona, Dave C’s photo of a post-rain scene in Boulder Canyon was a drop above the rest. “The celebration of water in a climate like ours can be very different for each person. …

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Top 5 Reasons to Collect Rainwater for Your Landscape

July 4, 2014

July is not only Smart Irrigation Month, but it’s also our summer monsoon season. There’s no better time to talk about rainwater harvesting. Here are our best reasons to take advantage of this great resource.  1. Rain is free Wouldn’t it be great if water just fell out of the sky? Okay, I’m kidding… it’s hard to imagine that right …

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July is Smart Irrigation Month!

July 3, 2014

July is typically the month of peak water demand for landscapes in Arizona. The Irrigation Association named July as Smart Irrigation Month to increase awareness about simple practices and innovative technologies for homeowners. By planting low-water-use plants, watering efficiently, and maintaining and upgrading automated irrigation systems, you can save money, save water and see better results. Here are some tips …

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Water Shortages: The Big Picture

June 27, 2014

The drought and potential shortages of Colorado River water have everyone talking. That’s good news because no one seems to pay attention to water issues if there isn’t a crisis brewing. It’s also the bad news because everyone–pundits, politicians and prognosticator–has an opinion, which makes it tough to determine how the pieces fit together so we can see the big …

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Xeriscape is not Zeroscape

June 24, 2014

Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden shows that saving water can be beautiful. It’s a common mispronunciation, but it’s also a telling Freudian slip: saying “zeroscape” instead of “xeriscape” (pronounced ZEER-escape). To xeriscape is to design a garden that conserves water through the use of drought-tolerant plants grouped according to water needs, water-collection systems, mulch, non-wasteful irrigation, and other commonsense yet once-radical gardening …

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Clinton Global Initiative Helps Transform PHX Renews

May 9, 2014

What can 650 college students, 100 veterans, and 150 community leaders accomplish in just three hours? They can turn a vacant lot into a neighborhood educational venue. In March, former President Bill Clinton and Chelsea Clinton brought together students from across the country and around the world to Arizona State University to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI …

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Celebrate AZ Water Photo Contest

May 1, 2014

In a state full of picturesque landscapes, the most lasting images are the ones that feature water. From canyon streams to shimmering lakes, morning dew on ponderosas to rain puddles in backyards, something about capturing water scenes in Arizona inspires awe. For the second annual Water – Use It Wisely Celebrate AZ Water Photo Contest, we’re once again putting the …

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Five Ways to Celebrate Arizona Water Awareness Month

April 4, 2014

April is Water Awareness Month (WAM) in Arizona! The purpose of WAM is to create a greater awareness of water issues through community education, action and celebration. Arizona’s first Water Awareness Month (WAM) was proclaimed in April 2008 by the governor’s office to help create a culture of conservation. The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) partners with organizations throughout …

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The New Smart Home Water Guide is Hot off the Press, Literally!

April 1, 2014

Still hot from this week’s printing, the new Smart Home Water Guide is available to help residents find and repair leaks. Isn’t it time to start repairing leaks and saving money in your piggy bank again? According to the EPA, the average household loses more than 10,000 gallons of water each year through leaks—the same amount of water needed to …

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Fix a Leak Week: Chasing Down Leaks & Running Toilets

March 5, 2014

Chasing leaks is hard work, fixing them is a walk in the park! Leaks can be more than annoying. For every drip that keeps you awake at night, there is an associated expense for wasted water. The good news is that common leaks found in the home are easy to fix – they include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and …

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SRP Water Conservation Expo is March 8th!

February 20, 2014

Valley residents are invited to learn how to save water and money by participating in the seventh annual SRP Water Conservation Expo on March 8, 2014. Those attending the free expo will learn about water-saving devices for the yard and home. Booths featuring SRP energy-efficiency and environmental programs will also be featured along with several exhibitors with water-saving products or …

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Why do You Love to Compost?

February 14, 2014

“It gives me a sense of accomplishment!” That’s what one Master Gardener told me after I asked. I wondered about this when I offered composting classes to the public and always observed a great turnout of people with passion and enthusiasm for the topic. There is definitely great satisfaction in taking green waste and kitchen scraps and watching the magical process …

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