Saving Water the Low-tech Way
When it comes to saving water, high-tech equipment is not always needed.
Beat the heat
Instead of residential misters and other outdoor water-cooling fans, cool outdoor patios with shade covers. Planting Arizona-native shade trees to the west or southwest of your patio can help you achieve additional cooling.
Drain-smart
You'll save water by channeling water from gutters into planting beds. Rainwater is free and filled with plant-loving nutrients. (Keep water at least ten feet from building slabs and foundations, and avoid creating areas with standing water. West Nile virus is a serious concern in the Valley.)
Looking to New Technologies
When it's time to remodel, replacing old appliances and other water-using technologies with high-efficiency alternatives reduces water use in your home and landscape. WaterSense- and ENERGY STAR-labels make it easy for you to choose new technologies (see Related Links).
You can also retrofit existing technologies to reduce your water consumption:
Weather- or sensor-based controllers, pressure-reducers, high-efficiency heads and drip lines are available to upgrade sprinkler systems; and
Re-circulating pumps make older evaporative coolers with continuous water flow more efficient.
Where can I find out more?
