Scottsdale’s arid climate and ongoing drought conditions present significant challenges to our water resources. As residents, adopting effective water conservation practices is essential to ensure a sustainable future for our community.
Understanding Scottsdale’s Water Resources
Scottsdale’s water supply primarily comes from two renewable surface water sources: the Central Arizona Project and the Salt River Project. To reduce reliance on groundwater, the city has invested in infrastructure and technology, including the Advanced Water Treatment Plant, which is among the most sophisticated recycled water facilities globally. This facility plays a crucial role in treating and reusing water, contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts.
Water Conservation Programs and Resources
Scottsdale Water offers various programs to assist residents in conserving water:
WaterSmart Portal
The WaterSmart portal is a free tool for Scottsdale Water customers, providing comprehensive graphics of water usage, leak assistance tools, water-saving tips, and customizable notifications. Residents can access the portal by creating an Online Utilities Account and adding their water account to the portal.
Outdoor Water Efficiency Checks
Residents can schedule free outdoor water efficiency checks with Scottsdale Water’s qualified staff. These checks include reading water meters, reviewing irrigation clock programming, and providing tips to promote irrigation efficiency. To schedule a check, call 480-312-5650.
Rebate Programs
Scottsdale Water offers rebates for the installation of WaterSense products and the removal of water-intensive features like grass, pools, and spas. These programs have been instrumental in helping residents permanently reduce water use. For the most current information on rebate availability and application procedures, residents should consult the Scottsdale Water Conservation Office.
Practical Water Conservation Tips
In addition to utilizing city programs, residents can adopt the following practices to conserve water:
- Landscape Choices: Opt for desert-adapted plants that require less water and are well-suited to Scottsdale’s climate.
- Irrigation Practices: Water landscapes during cooler parts of the day to minimize evaporation and adjust irrigation schedules seasonally.
- Leak Detection: Regularly inspect plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks, and promptly repair any issues to prevent water waste.
- Pool Maintenance: Conduct routine checks for leaks in pool equipment and consider using pool covers to reduce evaporation.
By implementing these strategies and taking advantage of available resources, Scottsdale residents can play a pivotal role in conserving water and ensuring the sustainability of our community’s water supply.