Tempe, along with many valley cities, recognizes the ongoing drought on the Colorado River is serious and continues to plan strategically for a future with less Colorado River water. In May, Tempe implemented Stage 0 – Watch of the Drought Preparedness Plan, which ensures Tempe has strategies in place to predict, prepare for and react to shortages in order to meet the demands of the water service area now and into the future. As the shortage on the Colorado River continues, Tempe may take additional actions described in the drought preparedness plan. At this point, there are no requests for actions by customers other than to take advantage of the many ways you can conserve water through the Water Conservation Program.

Tempe offers tips, rebates, incentives and services to help customers reduce water consumption. Take action today:

-Request a water consultation.

-Register for a WaterSmart account.

Already registered? Log in.

-Apply for Water Conservation rebates and incentives.

-Watch Sustainable Living workshops on demand.

-Explore resources for Homeowners Associations (HOAs).

-Get free brochures or request printed copies.

-Use the Water Use Calculator.

Request a Water Consultation

Concerned about a high utility bill and interested in learning how to save water and money? Sign up for a water consultation at no additional cost to City of Tempe Utility Customers. Our water program specialists may come to your home or meet with you virtually to offer specific recommendations. Visit our water consultation web page for information on how to request a consultation. We can also help:

-Review historical water consumption.

-Conduct an isolation test if continuous use is detected.

-Guide irrigation controller settings and watering schedules.

-Share water conservation resources.

Water Use Calculator

Want to know if you are using water efficiently at home? Based on your answers to a few simple questions about your water use, the Arizona Municipal Utilities Water Association's Water Use Calculator estimates how much water you need each month to be efficient. You can use this estimate to set monthly water usage goals for your home.

To see how your actual water use compares to the calculator’s estimates, register or visit the WaterSmart Customer Portal and navigate to the “track” tab.

Water Use Calculator

Gray Water Rebate

Gray water is water that has been used in the shower, bathroom sink or clothes washer. It typically contains limited amounts of detergent and organic material and is an ideal source of irrigation for high-water-use plants. Eligible single-family homes may receive 50 percent of the purchase price, up to $200 per home, by installing a gray water recycling system. Contact Tempe Water Conservation at 480-350-8351 or email [email protected] to request a pre-consultation

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August WHENTOWATER Report

Trees and shrubs on same valve
Desert adapted - once every 15 days
High water use - once every 8 days

Trees
Desert adapted - once every 17 days
High water use - once every 9 days

Cacti and succulents
Once every 21 days

Lawns
Summer grass - once every 3-4 days
Overseeded cool season grass - grass dies out

Shrubs, groundcovers and vines
Desert adapted - once every 13 days
High water use - once every 6 days

Annuals
Once every 2-3 days

The following are general guidelines for scheduling watering frequency for the month of August. New plants require more water until they become established. Monitor your plants for signs of stress, especially during the summer months. Visit Watering by the Numbers for detailed, step-by-step instructions regarding how much and how often to water.

These recommendations are general guidelines and will need to be modified for specific site conditions. Input information about your irrigation system into the online, interactive watering guide to identify exact irrigation run times, such as how long to run the water each time you water.

Water Wise Plant of the Month

Spruce Cones (Tephrocactus articulatus 'inermis’) is native to Argentina, but thrives in full or partial Arizona sun and requires little to no water once established. Also known as the Pine Cone Cactus because of its thornless features, it produces white to pink flowers in the spring.

-Very low-water use

-Full Sun, Partial Sun

-Low litter

-White to pink flower color

-Evergreen

-Thornless

-Not allergenic

-Qualifies for TreeBate

Tempe Neighbors Spotlight

Tempe residents have converted over 40,000 square feet of grass to low water use landscapes in 2022. These changes are estimated to save 1.1 million gallons of water each year. Carey C. was one of the many Tempe Residents who obtained pre-approval to participate in the Landscape Conversion (Turf Replacement) Rebate earlier this year.

Pictured above is the before photo of their yard, which was predominantly Bermuda grass, cacti, shrubs and trees. The photo below shows the finished yard after the grass was removed and replaced with gravel. As per our terms and conditions, the finished yard should contain at least 30 percent coverage with living, desert-adapted plants, either new or existing.

The Landscape Conversion Rebate is available to both residential and non-residential properties. If you are interested in completing a landscape conversion rebate through the City of Tempe, please read the terms and conditions, and submit a pre-approval application prior to beginning construction. If you have questions, please reach out to Tempe Water Conservation at 480-350-8351 or [email protected].

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