Water Conservation

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Green Infrastructure at Dorsey and Lemon Most assume that we must just use less water, but this does not capture the whole picture of water management, as it means managing water to minimize the damages associated with water shortage or overuse, while maximizing efficient, beneficial water usage.

Encouraging this in our city matters because it helps us prepare for and move towards:

Water as a valuable commodity in the face of climate change and increased demand
Efficiency in water distribution

Reduction of overall water usage
Requiring less energy to transport less water
Conserving water and energy

By optimizing our usage in these ways, water resources can be allocated so future generations have their water needs met while also meeting our needs today. Water security can be ensured through innovative water conservation projects and tools to help residents stay cool, save money, and use water responsibly.

Performance Measures

Water Conservation and Efficiency (4.03)

“Achieve the Council adopted water conservation goal of less than or equal to 110 gallons of residential water use per capita per day (GPCD).”

Baseline (2019):
Single-Family Residential: 170 GPCD
Multi-Family Residential: 92 GPCD
Landscape: 3,477 GPAD
Target (2025/2026):
Single-Family Residential: 160 GPCD
Multi-Family Residential: 75 GPCD
Landscape: 3,171 GPAD
Current:
Single-Family Residential: 153 GPCD
Multi-Family Residential: 87 GPCD
Landscape: 3,576 GPAD

What the City is Doing

Program Highlight

Drought Preparedness Plan

As the ongoing drought on the Colorado River worsens, Tempe, along with many other Valley cities, recognizes the importance of preparing for the future. To ensure Tempe is prepared to meet potential supply challenges, the Water Utility is committed to monitoring drought conditions, maintaining a robust and resilient water resources portfolio, investing in infrastructure and operating an effective and efficient Water Conservation program. Tempe will implement the Drought Preparedness Plan which increases education and awareness of current or future drought conditions. This plan also contains tools the water utility can use to manage demands when water shortages are predicted or occurring. An agreement known as the 500+ Plan was developed to add an additional 500,000 acre-feet (af) of water to Lake Mead through 2026. The plan involves Colorado River users reducing their water usage before it is required by federally mandated reductions associated with DCP. Tempe’s participation in the 500+ Plan involves foregoing delivery of 178 acre-feet of available Colorado River water in 2022. Visit these pages to learn more about the Drought Preparedness Plan.

What's Next

Water Consultation Program

The water consultation program includes a Personalized Home Water Report, which is created by staff for each residential customer who receives a one-on-one, on-site water check-up at their home. Each consultation is now also entered into a database that will enable pre- and post-analysis of water usage, comparing the resident’s water usage 1 year prior and 1 year after each water consultation. Specialists will make specific recommendations on ways to save water, improve plant health and reduce the utility bill. For residents with large landscapes (or by request), staff can also generate a water conservation budget to provide an idea of how much water your landscape and home should be using. Click here or go to WaterSmart to learn more.

2022 Water, Wastewater and Storm water Rate Study

Water and wastewater services are essential to quality of life for all Tempe residents and workers. The 2022 Water, Wastewater and Storm water Rate Study is to provide clean and safe drinking water, collect wastewater for treatment, and replace critical infrastructure. The city is working on this rate study and will release more information and data soon.

Irrigation Efficiency Workshops

Tempe will continue to host in-person and online sustainable landscape workshops on rainwater harvesting, tree and shrub care, proper and efficient landscape watering, gardening, and desert lush landscaping. Click here to see a schedule and how to RSVP.

Additional Resources

Grants

Listen

What You Can Do

Resident

Since we live in a desert, we must find smarter ways to save water and prevent inefficient water use.

City Collaboration

Partner with Tempe to achieve water efficiency and optimization.

Explore Tempe’s free landscape workshops and view or order free literature.
Stay current by signing up to hear about Tempe’s water conservation news.
Contact the Council Communicator in support of water conservation.

Individual Actions

Search for ways to conserve water in your home.

Did you know that faucets flow at an average of 2 gallons per minute? Every second counts!
Here are tips to conserve water.
Consider investing in a rainwater harvesting system or a drip irrigation system.
Here are other opportunities for water-efficient technology.

Business

Smart and effective water management is needed to preserve this precious resource.

Take advantage of the WaterSmart portal.
See if you qualify for Tempe’s commercial water rebates.
Get a water audit done through a Tempe water consultation.
If you serve food commercially, take part in the Tempe Grease Cooperative to save money and protect our wastewater infrastructure.
Ensure that your stormwater contributes to a healthy Tempe.
Learn about water quality programs from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

City of Tempe, AZ

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