In This Issue: Plant of the Month Sun is Up - Sprinklers are Off! New Watering by the Numbers
Don’t forget, Pledge-takers: we are in a Stage 1 Drought in Phoenix! That means an insufficient water supply appears likely. Help Phoenix stay resilent by saving water when and where you can.
In the hotter months, make sure to always water plants before sunrise or after sunset to prevent the water from evaporating or boiling your plants! The best times to water are between 9 PM and 5 AM overnight. Invest in a smart irrigation controller and use our incentive program to take the guesswork out of saving water!
In The Spotlight
WATERING BY THE NUMBERS: NEW LOOK!
Our partner, Water - Use it Wisely, has released a new edition of the “Landscape Watering by the Numbers” guide!
The guide has been refreshed with new content, simplified explanations, practical examples, and expanded online resources designed to make landscape watering easier to understand than ever before.
You can read it today by clicking the link below, or stay tuned to order a free copy from our website.
Read New Guide
PLEDGE REMINDER!
Are you staying WaterSmart this summer? Catch up on the four Pledge items and keep reading to learn more
Learn More In The Spotlight
Join the CEA by completing the short survey or by contacting conservation@phoenix.gov for more information.
For our first Plant of the Month, we’re starting out with the most iconic plant in Phoenix: The Mighty Saguaro! The Saguaro shows off striking white blossoms in late spring and reminds us why this is the state flower of Arizona. Flowers attract nocturnal pollinators, and soon, juicy red fruits will be enjoyed by many desert dwellers, including humans!
Reminder: Saguaros can grow to a size of over 50 feet tall, with a “canopy” up to 30 feet wide. Make sure to consider their mature size when deciding where to plant.
Saguaro Facts
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:
AMWUA: Smart Summer Watering: Keep Your Landscape Thriving in the Valley Heat
WUIW: Arizona’s Go-To Watering Guide Just Got a Major Refresh
WUIW: HelpingArizona Communities Navigate Drought: Lessons from a Phoenix–ASU Partnership
AMWUA: Advanced Water Purification: Creating Arizona's Next Water Supply
DROUGHT:
City of Phoenix Newsroom: Phoenix
City Council Receives Update on Water Resources, Drought Preparedness and Long-Term Water Security
SOLUTIONS:
City of Phoenix Newsroom: Phoenix Expands Smart Leak Detection Program at City Housing Community
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:
Water-Wise Reptiles and Amphibians of Arizona (8/1)
City of Phoenix Events (various dates)
Phoenix Public Library Events (various dates)
Downtown & Uptown Farmers Market (Saturdays)
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!
Pledge Items
3. WATER WITH THE WEATHER 3. WATER WITH THE WEATHER 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!
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.
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 WaterWise Kit through our partners, Water--Use It Wisely and SRP!
*Choose your local water provider or "Not Listed" when ordering your kit.
Youth Save Water Pledge
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!
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.
Thank You from Mayor Kate Gallego
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!
Learn More
Staying connected with us can help you to achieve your water-saving goals!
WE SEND OUT NEWSLETTERS AND TIPS EVERY MONTH!
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! 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.
Learn More
DO YOU ENJOY THE SAVE WATER DO ENJOY THE SAVE WATER DO YOU THE WATER PLEDGE NEWSLETTER? PLEDGE NEWSLETTER? NEWSLETTER?
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!
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.
