Archive for “Environment and Sustainability” Category

News & Events

RAINWATER HARVESTING: ANYONE CAN DO IT

January 7, 2016

What do you think of when you hear the term ‘water harvesting?’ Do you imagine a giant cistern collecting water? Can you envision a complicated system of pipes leading from your roof to your outdoor landscape? If so, you are completely right! What you may not realize is that there are some very simple ways that you can utilize rainwater for your …

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Rain Off Roof

WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER?

December 23, 2015

Did you know that you could have your home tested for lead and copper every three years at no cost to you? Every three years, water providers must conduct lead and copper sampling from inside the homes of those they serve. The sample must be collected from a faucet in the home after a six-hour period of no water use …

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3 TIPS TO SAVE A HOLIDAY PARTY FROM GREASE BACK UP

November 19, 2015

You probably already know not to pour grease down the kitchen drain. But what about the holiday turkey and gravy? Or the skins from the potatoes or the leftover pumpkin pie? Unfortunately, they’re also sources of fats, oil and grease – known as FOG – and some of the leading causes of sewer damage and backups. Because the sewers receive …

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Photo by Satya Murthy on Flickr

GLENDALE CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM

November 18, 2015

The Glendale Water Services Department’s Water Conservation program is celebrating 30 years of working with the community to save water – our most precious resource! Established in 1985, the mission of the Water Conservation Office is to provide a comprehensive water conservation program that promotes efficient water use by providing the information and inspiration needed—to save water.  This comprehensive program …

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WHICH WATER EFFICIENCY PROGRAM IS BEST FOR YOU?

November 11, 2015

You may not be an irrigation or water nerd like us, but if you are, you’ve likely heard of the two major types of water efficiency programs: WaterSense and SWAT. But what are the differences? First, a bit of historical context. SWAT History SWAT, or Smart Water Application Technologies, an initiative of the Irrigation Association (IA), is a national partnership of …

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WHEN THE SKY OPENS UP, IT’S TIME TO COLLECT

October 9, 2015

We all marvel at the beauty of a big desert storm and what it does for our plants. It’s like our landscapes are a little more alive after drinking a big gulp of rain. The clean, salt-free properties of rainwater are extremely beneficial for desert plants, and you can make sure your landscapes are quenched by this natural source even …

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CELEBRATE AZ WATER WITH US AT FOSSIL CREEK

October 5, 2015

Chelsey F. shared this photo overlooking a popular swimming hole on Fossil Creek. Fossil Creek is a popular destination for both tourists and locals due to its lush surroundings, which span over 12,000 acres of wilderness, supporting over 30 types of trees and over 100 species of birds. Fossil Creek is located within the Verde River Watershed, with headwaters of the …

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LAWN CARE TIPS ON A WATER BUDGET

August 18, 2015

You know by now that up to 70% of your water use is outdoors. Strict water conditions are tough on everyone, especially our lawns. Although we do our best to be responsible and conservation-minded when it comes to lawn care, there are some measures you may not know about to keep your lawn healthy when water shortages hit. Raise the mower blades. Raise …

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IT STARTS WITH A FLUSH

July 8, 2015

Living in the desert, water conservation is always a hot topic. At home we can take steps to reduce our use by taking shorter showers, collecting rain water for our gardens or any one of 100+ Ways to Conserve. But how can we have a greater impact on reducing the amount of ground water we use? Well – it starts …

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HOW YOU CAN HELP PREVENT POLLUTED RUNOFF

July 1, 2015

Blustery winds, torrential downpour, and high humidity. Welcome to the desert southwest! All right, perhaps that is an exaggeration. Those are conditions present only for a few summer weeks in the desert southwest. During this time, the Greater Phoenix area can receive half of its annual rainfall in just a few short weeks. While drenching our plants and washing the …

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HOW TO CONSERVE WATER AND ENERGY IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM

June 1, 2015

Small changes can make a big impact in terms of overall water consumption — and that’s especially true in the laundry room. When it comes to the way you do regular laundry, taking a few simple measures can save significant water and energy. So what are some of the best ways to conserve water in the laundry room? How can …

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HOW TO SAVE WATER WITH 416 ACRES OF GRASS

May 26, 2015

If you want to find out how to save water and keep a little grass in the backyard, how about asking a city with more than 400 acres of Bermuda to care for? The City of Scottsdale maintains 42 parks that include about 416 acres of grass. Six of the city’s largest parks are strung along Indian Bend Wash, an …

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Photo Courtesy of AMWUA