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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Don’t you just love summer?! Pool time, fun, games… and of course, water conservation!? Wait – what?! Yes! You heard me right. Saving water during the hot summer months is important, especially in the Arizona desert. Because it gets so hot here, people often take more showers or baths. And, our plants in the landscape or swimming pools will use …
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Lovely, white blossoms of not one, but two different types of cordia, add welcome beauty to the arid landscape throughout the warm season, including summer. Cordias are large shrubs that are underused in the garden. They deserve more attention due to their ability to thrive in full sun and shrug off the summer heat. Their evergreen foliage looks great all …
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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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Desert Senna (Senna covesii) is a wonderful addition to a pollinator-friendly yard. This plant yields an abundance of flowers and seeds, which attract birds, bees and butterflies. A desert dweller, it thrives in full sun and requires minimal water. You may hear Desert Senna before you see it because the seeds rattle inside the pods, especially when the wind blows …
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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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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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Chihuahuan-Sage, Leucophyllum laevigatum is a low-maintenance evergreen shrub with a spiky, but loose form. The periodic masses of lavender flowers are not only fragrant but will attract hummingbirds, too. Description Medium green leaves are somewhat sparsely arranged, yet they cling tightly along the erect to spreading branches of Chihuahuan-sage. Individual leaves measure ½ inch long and ¼ inch wide at …
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