Water Conservation
I came here to Green Valley Arizona from upstate New York, Finger Lakes area. So, I was pretty used to greenery and abundant water (during most years). I was always ecologically aware, but had no concept of desert ecology. So, I quickly planted some patio tomatoes and peppers, thinking that the abundant sunshine would surely help them grow. Well, it did, but they required daily watering and when they finally got to the size where they were starting to bear fruit; a family of javalinas (collared peccaries) decided they looked pretty good too. The next morning, nothing was left but the pots and a lot of spilled dirt! I wasted a lot of precious water for nothing.
I have learned that there are two ways to landscape well and still keep your water consumption down:
- Xeriscape Landscaping
- Indigenous Landscaping
Here are some methods of conserving water that all Arizonans should try to use:
| Don't: | Use: |
| Defrost foods using running water | Annual evaporative cooler maintenance |
| Forget where your main shutoff is | A pool cover to stop evaporation |
| Let hose run while washing car | Broom to clean driveway/walks |
| Let irrigation system leaks | Buy water-conserving appliances |
| Let water lines & joints leak | Full dishwasher loads |
| Let water run while brushing teeth | Full washer loads |
| Let water run while shaving | Gray-water for outdoor watering |
| Over-water indoor plants | Indigenous no-water plantings |
| Run the sprinkler for kids | Install aerators on faucets |
| Run tub water without installing drain plug | Low flow shower |
| Throw out aquarium water - use on plants | Low flow toilet |
| Throw out shower water while warming flow | Mulch around trees & bushes |
| Throw out used ice cubes - use on plants | Pipe insulation for hot water |
| Throw out used pet water - use on plants | Refrigerated water for drinking |
| Use outdoor fountains & ponds | Save rainwater (mosquito net) |
| Use water hungry plantings | Shower head shut off |
| Waste water - catch it for use | Xeriscape plantings |
You can learn a great deal more about water conservation in southern Arizona, by visiting the links on the Conserving Water Today for Arizona’s Tomorrow website.