Up to 70 percent of the water used on a residential property is applied outdoors. Applying the appropriate amount of water to the landscape can help plants thrive while keeping the utility bill as low as possible. Get started today with a few steps on the road to irrigation efficiency.

Water by the Weather

The landscape watering guide is designed for conditions in the Phoenix metro area. Use the guide to learn how long and how often to water throughout the year. View the Landscape Watering by the Numbers (PDF), visit the Landscape Watering Interactive page or review the Landscape Watering 101 (video) workshop to learn more.

Chase Down Leaks

Make regular sprinkler system maintenance part of your home care plan. Each spring, Tempe promotes Sprinkler Spruce Up Month and provides information on how to "spruce up" your sprinkler system. Proper maintenance can help detect the inevitable water-wasting leak OR help keep your system healthy to avoid a major leak later on. 

View a Landscape Watering Workshop

Tempe offers live and recorded workshops on conservation and efficiency, including the following videos on smart watering topics:  

• Landscape Watering 101 Workshop Video: Learn how often and how long to water landscape plants in the desert. The curriculum follows the Landscape Watering by the Numbers (PDF) method.
• Smart Controllers: Learn how smart controllers (when properly programmed) can make it easier to efficiently water a landscape.
• Smarter Irrigation Workshop Video: Learn strategies for increasing irrigation efficiency in an existing watering system, including sprinkler, drip, bubblers, microbubblers and hose watering. 
• Sprinkler and Bubbler Maintenance Video: Learn maintenance and troubleshooting strategies specific to sprinkler systems and bubblers.  

Sign up for Water Conservation eNotifications to receive the latest water conservation news and workshop offering updates.

Schedule a Water Efficiency Consultation

Tempe residents may receive personalized water consultations to assist with leak detection, irrigation controller settings and identifying causes of higher than expected utility bills. Consults include specific recommendations on how to save water, improve plant health and reduce the utility bill, if possible. Visit the Water Consultation Page to learn more or complete a consult request form.

Upgrade Irrigation Components for up to $500 in Rebates

Automated watering systems can be upgraded to more evenly and efficiently apply water to the landscape. Tempe offers the High Efficiency Irrigation Rebate to help residents make upgrades that can increase efficiency, conserve water and help plants thrive.

Learn More

The Water Conservation Resource Library has a wealth of information on special topics related to water conservation and efficiency, including desert lawn care best practices, tips on hiring a pro, pruning guides and pool maintenance.  

Not sure where to start? Feel free to contact us at 480-350-8351 or email conservation@tempe.gov.