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AU G U S T 2 0 2 6 E D IT I O N
Phoenix Mayor’s
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SAVE WATER PLEDGE In This Issue: Pure Water Phoenix: Program of the Year Phoenix Community Gardening Classes Water Security in Arizona
Photographer: Carol Ward
Phoenix.gov/SaveWater
Thank you for participating in the Phoenix Mayor’s Save Water Pledge!
In The Spotlight In the Spotlight
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Plant of the Month
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Monthly Drip News
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Upcoming Events
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Pledge Items
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Youth Pledge
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Message from Mayor
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Learn More
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Watch now
WATER SECURITY IN ARIZONA: DROUGHT, SUPPLY & OUR FUTURE Summer in Phoenix is here to remind us that water is an essential part of our community. Phoenix is currently in a Stage 1 Drought, and that means we all have a role to play in our culture of conservation.
Did you know? Youth can take their own Save Water Pledge! Visit the Phoenix Save Water Youth Page.
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Stay informed, Phoenix! Watch the recent “Inside the Issues” segment on why water challenges are driven by long-term climate trends and overallocation, and how cities like Phoenix are investing in infrastructure, conservation, and advanced water recycling to prepare for the future.
Phoenix Mayor’s Save Water Pledge Newsletter | MONTH YEAR
Phoenix.gov/SaveWater
PURE WATER PHOENIX: PROGRAM OF THE YEAR! The Pure Water Phoenix and Pure Water Arizona partnership was recognized as the “Program of the Year” at the 2026 Arizona WateReuse Symposium. The City of Phoenix is making major
PLEDGE REMINDER! Are you staying WaterSmart this summer? Catch up on the four Pledge items and keep reading to learn more.
investments in long-term water security, starting with the Cave Creek Road Water Reclamation Plant, which will be the site of the first Advanced Water Purification Facility in the City. This facility is on track to serve drinking water as early as 2029. This endeavor expands beyond the City's boundaries. Pure Water Arizona is designed to be scalable — built on guiding principles of
Keep Water in Mind Find and Fix Leaks
collaboration, engagement, stewardship, and inclusivity.
Learn more
Water With the Weather Choose EPA WaterSense Labeled Products
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Learn Events In TheMore Spotlight COMMUNITY GARDEN CLASSES WITH DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN We invite you and your community to join us at DBG Community Garden this Fall for free gardening classes sponsored by the City of Phoenix Office of Environmental Programs. Space is limited, so register now to reserve your spot! In-person classes are located at DBG Community Garden inside Spaces of Opportunity (1200 W Vineyard Rd). Available classes include:
Register Today! Follow the link below to sign-up online.
Register Here
Desert Vegetable Gardening 101 Intro to Seed Saving, Part 1: Planning for Seed Saving Intro to Seed Saving, Part 2: Seed Harvesting, Cleaning, Storage Fall Planting Class (in-person) Garden-to-Table Harvest & Cooking Class (in-person)
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Phoenix Mayor’s Save Water Pledge Newsletter | MONTH YEAR
Phoenix.gov/SaveWater
JOIN THE CONSERVATION EDUCATION ALLIANCE (CEA) The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is hosting a free, low-commitment cohort of both formal and informal educators dedicated to advancing water conservation and resources education, allowing members to connect with others who share a passion for sustainability. This program is designed to support educators through:
Join the CEA by completing the short survey or by contacting conservation@phoenix.gov for more information.
WE HOPE TO “CEA” YOU SOON!
Free classroom materials and merch A collaborative online network of water and education professionals Invitations to infrequent CEA events such as lesson breakdowns, tours, guest lectures, and more... all designed to make teaching water conservation easier and more impactful!
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Plant of the Month RESILIENT BEAUTY: DESERT SENNA! Desert senna (Senna covesii) is a beautiful flowering shrub here in Phoenix, perfect for attracting and supporting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and even nocturnal pollinators, like moths. Senna is very resilient and blooms throughout the year despite the heat and scorching sun... no wonder it won August’s Plant of the Month! In their natural habitat, they can survive on as little as 3 inches of annual rainfall. Desert Senna even gets the fun nickname “rattlebox” because their dry seeds rattle freely inside the seedpods. You may hear this plant before you see it!
Desert Senna Facts
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Phoenix Mayor’s Save Water Pledge Newsletter | MONTH YEAR
Phoenix.gov/SaveWater
The Monthly Drip WATER NEWS What is happening in the world of water? Here are some of the latest summer updates about drought in Phoenix, water conservation, and solutions for Desert Dwellers like us! Check out the water news updates with links below.
CONSERVATION:
DROUGHT:
WUIW: Super El Niño? What could that mean for the Colorado River?
AMWUA: How the AMWUA Cities Have Been Preparing for a Smaller Colorado River
AMWUA: How the AMWUA Cities Have Been Preparing for a Smaller Colorado River
AMWUA: Arizona’s New Water Reality: Preparing for Historic Colorado River Cuts
SOLUTIONS:
Phoenix: Phoenix Calls for New Federal Funds, Basin-Wide Action Following Colorado River Decision
AMWUA: Water Waste in the Valley: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do
BOR: Interior Department Finalizes Plans for 2027-2028 Colorado River Operations
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Pledge Items About the Four Items of the Save Water Pledge
1. KEEP WATER IN MIND The first Pledge item is to keep water in mind in our daily lives. Whether in the midst of a refreshing pool day, while watering your plants, or during other daily habits, challenge yourself to be conscious of your water use. By keeping water in mind, we can ensure our water use stays efficient and responsible. Already think you’re a water-saver? Put your knowledge to the test and maybe you'll discover even more ways to save! The 100+ Ways to Conserve Water resources will be sure to help you keep water in mind.
2. FIND AND FIX LEAKS The second Pledge item is to find and fix leaks. Leaks = higher water bills, especially in the summer. Remember: Your sight, hearing, and smell, plus leakdetecting resources from our partner AMWUA, can help you find and fix leaks before they become a problem! Consider signing up for a free Water Efficiency Consultation at your home from a Phoenix water professional. Visit our Water Efficiency Consultation web page here to learn more. Once you find those pesky outdoor leaks, consider a WaterSense-certified irrigation professional here!
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Phoenix Mayor’s Save Water Pledge Newsletter | MONTH YEAR
Phoenix.gov/SaveWater
3. WATER WITH THE WEATHER The third Pledge item is to water with the weather. It is hot, hot, hot, and your plants are adapting to the weather! Help them be more resilient by watering during the cooler times in the day, such as early morning or night. If it rains, skip your next watering day. See our partner Water—Use It Wisely's watering guide here to learn more. Visit our desert landscaping webpage to get inspiration: Desert Landscapes in Your Front Yard. You can also find desert-adapted/low-water-use plants at our partner AMWUA's website here. Did you know? Watering your cacti frequently may be the cause of rot! Cacti don’t need a drink to cool off in the heat. Trust us, they’re built for this!
4. CHOOSE EPA WATERSENSELABELED PRODUCTS The fourth Pledge item is to choose EPA WaterSense-labeled products. Did you know? The City of Phoenix currently has FOUR incentive programs to help you save water AND money! Visit the Incentives page and learn more. Our toilet incentive is leaving this month! Take advantage while you still can.
*Choose your local water provider or "Not Listed" when ordering your kit.
Wondering which products to choose? Visit the EPA WaterSense page and their product page. Looking to try out some products to help you save water right now? You can also get a FREE Water-Wise Kit through our partners, Water-Use It Wisely and SRP!
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Events Summer in Phoenix means events are slowing down, but there are still many ways to stay connected with your community! Click on each link below to view upcoming Phoenix events:
Craft Night: Desert Colors (9/17) City of Phoenix Events (various dates) Phoenix Public Library Events (various dates) Downtown & Uptown Farmers Market (Saturdays)
Stay cool this summer, Phoenix! Learn more about heat safety with the Heat Response and Mitigation Office at Phoenix.gov/Heat
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Phoenix Mayor’s Save Water Pledge Newsletter | MONTH YEAR
Phoenix.gov/SaveWater
Youth Save Water Pledge Kids can take the Save Water Pledge, too! Want to encourage your children or students to join fellow water-wise youths? Click each link below to learn more about the Youth Pledge! Take the Youth Pledge here, or print a PDF copy here. Kids can also visit the Youth Programs page to brush up on their water resources and conservation knowledge.
YOUTH CAN SAVE WATER, TOO! HAVE YOUR KIDS AND STUDENTS TAKE THE PLEDGE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WATER.
Youth can best be a water-saver through these four pledge items: 1. Keep Water in Mind! 2. Be a Leak Detective! 3. Learn More About Water! 4. Save Water with Family and Friends!
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Thank You from Mayor Kate Gallego
To make Your Pledge, visit: Phoenix.gov/SaveWater
Thank you for joining me, Mayor Kate Gallego, in taking the Phoenix Save Water Pledge! In celebration of our first year, I’m pleased to announce that the Pledge will not only be renewed but will become a permanent campaign to embody our community’s commitment to water stewardship and responsibility. Whether you have been committed to the Phoenix Save Water Pledge since its launch or have just recently signed up, I encourage you to spread the word of its continuation, stay true to your commitments, and keep our momentum strong. Together, we will continue to make efficient and responsible water use a habit in our daily lives!
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Phoenix Mayor’s Save Water Pledge Newsletter | MONTH YEAR
Phoenix.gov/SaveWater
Learn More
YOU CAN CONNECT WITH US! To learn more about the Pledge, visit phoenix.gov/SaveWaterPledge. To learn more about water conservation, consider these options: Follow us on all social media (@PHXwater) and share your water-saving successes!
We send out newsletters and tips every month!
Bookmark the Save Water web page, phoenix.gov/SaveWater Join us at community events. Invite your circle of community to take the Pedge with you! Find the Youth Save Water Pledge here.
Staying connected with us can help you to achieve your water-saving goals!
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Learn More DID YOU KNOW THAT PLEDGETAKERS CAN GET PRIZES? Grab your Save Water Pledge magnet, sticker, and pencil at your local Phoenix Public Library location! Just show your pledge confirmation email or this monthly newsletter to a library employee at the counter, and ask if you can pick up your Pledge merchandise. If you see our table at events, you may also be able to pick up our new canvas tote bags and/or a wildflower seed packet! Be sure to stop by and say hello!
DO YOU ENJOY THE SAVE WATER PLEDGE NEWSLETTER? If you found this newsletter enjoyable or helpful, why not spread the word? Sharing this newsletter and taking the Pledge with friends makes our watersaving impact grow larger! Help us to make the Save Water Pledge a part of Phoenix culture! Share your #PHXSaveWaterPledge journey on social media for the possibility of getting shared on our page.
@PHXWATER | PHOENIX.GOV/WATER
CITY OF PHOENIX WATER SERVICES DEPARTMENT Quality. Reliability. Value
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Photo Source: Lance R. Lofgren
Phoenix.gov/SaveWater