The Large Landscape Water Efficiency Program provides a site-specific landscape water efficiency report that compares actual water usage with target water usage. HOAs that participate in the program receive consultations, educational materials, an initial 12-month summary report, and monthly water efficiency reports thereafter. 

HOA board members or community managers may request to meet virtually with water conservation staff to learn more about the program, and get a spot on the waiting list to receive monthly updates about the HOA's water usage.

How are the measurements used in the efficiency report calculator?

A specialist will measure all areas within the HOA that are watered using the HOA's irrigation meters. Turf areas (shown in red) and low water use xeriscape areas (shown in purple) will be measured using a landcover mapping tool. The total square feet of each landcover type will be exported into the Landscape Water Efficiency Calculator along with historical evapotranspiration (ET) rates from the Phoenix Encanto Weather Station, and the HOA's overseeding practices. This will be discussed in detail during your intake call.

_{Above: Example of turf and low water use measurements in a common area.}

How long will it take to calculate the HOAs water efficiency target?

After the initial intake call to enroll the HOA in the Large Landscape Water Efficiency Program, the HOA will be placed on a waiting list, anywhere from 1-3 months. When the HOA is at the top of the waiting list, a specialist will measure all areas within the HOA that are watered using the HOA's irrigation meters. The time frame needed to gather these measurements will depend on the extent of the HOA's irrigatable areas, therefore conservation staff will provide you an estimated time frame to have the measurements completed, and ready for final review.

Does the HOA have to meet the target water use every month?

The target water use is intended to be a guide that will promote discussion between board members, managers, and landscape professionals. A starting goal for the HOA may be to achieve the recommended target for efficient water management, by managing the HOA's actual water use so that it falls within +/- 20 percent of the calculated monthly water efficiency target for that property.

Once the HOA has completed their initial intake meeting, and the landscape measurements have been completed, the HOA will begin to receive monthly email updates.

Please review the Large Landscape Water Efficiency Program Interest Form. All the required information will be requested. Some important items to gather before filling out the interest form or calling Tempe Water Conservation are:

• Account Numbers for irrigation meters (found on utility bill)
• Any community maps or irrigation maps that may be helpful
• Contact information to set up a virtual intake meeting
• Knowledge of current overseeding practices
• WaterSmart Login (if unknown, staff may schedule a follow up meeting to assist)

Additional consultations, literature and presentations are available to enrolled HOAs to assist with educating new board members, property managers and landscape professionals upon request.

Neighborhood Grants-

Eligible projects may receive a maximum grant award of $20,000*. A match of at least 25% of the total award is required for homeowner associations and multi-housing communities that collect dues. Visit the Neighborhoods Services Web Page for more information. If there are questions regarding eligibility or the application process, please contact Neighborhood Services by calling 480-350-8234 or emailing neighborhoods@tempe.gov.

_{*Annual grant awards maximums may change based on fiscal year, visit the neighborhoods services web page for the most up to date information.}

Rebates-

HOAs may receive 50% of the project cost, up to $20,000, for converting from grass to desert landscaping. Interested applicants should contact conservation@tempe.gov or call 480-350-8351 to seek pre-approval. Once conservation staff has confirmed your project meets water conservations terms and conditions, the HOA must complete a minor development plan review (DPR) through Tempe's Community Development Department for a fee. To begin this process:

• Contact conservation staff for a preliminary discussion and to review the Universal Terms and Conditions to ensure the project meets the rebate terms.
• Email planning@tempe.gov; or
• Call 480-350-4311 and request to be connected to the planner of the day.
• Review the Minor Development Plan Review Application Check List.
• Once the minor DPR has been completed, the HOA will be eligible to apply for the landscape conversion rebate through the online portal.

Request Brochures-

HOA's may request brochures for residents or events. Click HERE for more information and to access the brochure order form. If requesting more than eight brochures, conservation staff will likely drop items off at the requesters Tempe address, so it is best to email conservation@tempe.gov with the number and title of requested items, as well as the desired drop off address (must be in Tempe or Guadalupe).

Urban Forestry (Tree Health & Resources)-

Trees play a pivotal role in the health of the environment and community. They help reduce pollution, sequester carbon, and slow down storm runoff which reduces soil erosion, while also providing much-needed shade. Well-maintained trees and landscapes can increase property values, and the health benefits can improve air quality, reduce stress, and enhance community pride. Providing wildlife habitat in our urban areas is beneficial toward maintaining a sustainable ecosystem. Click HERE to learn more about Tempe's Urban Forestry programs and resources, or contact Tempe's Urban Forester, Richard Adkins, at richard_adkins@tempe.gov or by calling 480-350-5227.

WaterSmart Portal-

Homeowners associations are encouraged to register for the WaterSmart Customer Portal to manage the community's water trends and track leaks. For more information, view the next drop down tab.

The WaterSmart portal provides a number of beneficial features for HOA's:

• Each irrigation meter may be registered in WaterSmart and linked to one login.
• Multiple users may be added to the account, allowing all pertinent board members, community managers, and landscape professionals to access the portal.
• The portal's Track Tab provides the monthly, weekly, daily and hourly water use for each meter.
• Communication preferences allow the HOA to opt into leak alerts.
• Users may also view a combined account summary showing all linked meters within the HOA.
• All meter types (not just dedicated landscape meters) can be registered and linked in WaterSmart. This can be used to track water use into pools, club houses, or other communal areas that are watered using the HOA's meters.
• Ready to Register? Visit tempe.WaterSmart.com and use any account number associated with the HOA to Find Your Account. Then add additional accounts or users by navigating to Settings > Account Settings.

_{Tempe Water Conservation Staff are available to schedule a WaterSmart introduction meeting to assist with finding your account, linking separate meters, adding users and more! This is best completed via virtual meeting, and requires the requester to provide the account numbers for the HOA. To request a meeting please call 480-350-8351 or email conservation@tempe.gov and provide your contact information and HOA name and location. Please allow 7-10 business days for water conservation staff to follow up with your request.}