September has come around again, and that means it’s Planting for Monarchs Month in the Phoenix area! 🦋 It’s a great time to think about which native species you might add to your yard or patio this fall. Native plants provide important food and habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators while supporting biodiversity in our urban areas. And the …
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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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Arizona’s Colorado River outlook makes conservation at every scale more important than ever. One overlooked source of potable-water use may be hiding in the routine maintenance of backyard pools: cleaning cartridge filters with a garden hose, even though those filters can be professionally cleaned using reclaimed and recycled water. The Unknown Water Thief in Your Backyard Arizona homeowners are becoming …
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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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Saving Thousands of Gallons-One Pool at a Time Traditional swimming pool draining wastes thousands of gallons of clean water. It can also put your pool at risk for cracks and leaks. Furthermore, pool water recycling is a smart alternative that helps conserve water and maintain your pool’s integrity. Mobile reverse osmosis offers a smarter, sustainable solution. It recycles your pool …
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For decades, Arizona communities have worked together to help residents understand drought, conserve water and build a more resilient future in the desert. Arizona Water Conservation efforts have been advanced through regional partnerships like Water – Use It Wisely. Through these, cities, water providers and community organizations share practical information and resources. As a result, this helps residents make informed …
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Do your plants really need water today? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. For many Arizona homeowners, landscape watering can feel like a guessing game. We inherit irrigation schedules from the previous homeowner. We water because it’s Tuesday. We water because it’s hot outside. Sometimes we water because we haven’t thought about it in a while and suddenly feel …
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The Town of Queen Creek’s Water Conservation Art Contest Sometimes the simplest conservation ideas are the most powerful. Since 2023, the Town of Queen Creek’s Water Conservation Art Contest has invited K–12 students to answer an important question: “How can you reduce your water use?” Open to students who live in or attend school within Queen Creek’s water service area, …
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WaterSense® Certified Homes Did you know that some newly built homes use significantly less water than others? One way homebuilders can help conserve Arizona’s water supplies is by constructing homes that earn a WaterSense® certification. Developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), WaterSense-certified homes are independently inspected and use at least 30% less water than typical new homes—without sacrificing …
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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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$$ Grass Removals = Big Water Savings $$ In the desert Southwest, grass is one of the thirstiest landscape choices you can make. That’s why more Mesa residents, businesses, and HOAs are choosing to replace turfgrass with water-smart desert landscapes – and the results are adding up in a big way. In 2025 alone, Mesa’s grass-to-xeriscape incentive programs helped remove …
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