Water Conservation

Water conservation eliminates the loss of water to waste and reduces the overall demand for water. Water conservation isn’t always easy and may not be the final answer to drought-related water supply needs, but it can lessen the potential impact of drought. On May 22, 2007, Governor Napolitano signed a “Drought Declaration for the State of Arizona” to raise awareness of Arizona’s drought and encourage conservation. Arizona is entering its second decade of a statewide drought due to long-term precipitation deficits and increased demand for water. The declaration calls upon citizens, businesses, schools, institutions of higher learning, local governments and federal agencies to increase water conservation efforts.

Arizona’s drought declaration provides a mechanism for both preparedness and response to drought through the implementation of the “Arizona Drought Preparedness Plan” and action of local drought impact groups. The state is implementing proactive measures to limit the effects of the long-term dry spell and minimize the risk of a drought emergency situation. By creating a culture of conservation, we can greatly reduce the impacts of drought on our natural resources, our economy, and our quality of life.

Adopting a low water use lifestyle can be accomplished through simple changes to our daily routines. Visit Arizona Department of Water Resource’s conservation website at www.azwater.gov/dwr/Conservation/ for outdoor and indoor water conservation tips. Examples of actions that can be taken to save water include:

• Conduct a water audit of your home and property to replace wasteful, high-volume fixtures with low-flow fixtures and repair any leaks;

• Reduce landscape irrigation by replacing “thirsty” vegetation with drought-tolerant species and using drip irrigation systems;

• Reduce discretionary outdoor water use such as car washing and if you have a pool, use a pool cover to reduce evaporation;

• Harvest rainwater by collecting, storing, and redirecting stormwater runoff; and

• Reduce water needed for essential household activities by limiting showers to five minutes or less and waiting to do laundry or dishes until there is a full load.

It may not be possible in a time of drought to meet all your water needs through water conservation alone, and you may be required to supplement your supply through a water delivery service or by obtaining water from a deeper, nearby well.