We have to keep in mind that trees, shrubs, and our landscape plants provide multiple benefits to our environment. Trees help to shade and cool our neighborhoods, but also filter harmful pollutants from the air, and reduce noise pollution. They also play a pivotal role in the water cycle by absorbing water in the ground and returning water vapor back to the atmosphere. Without trees, our desert climate can become much hotter and drier. This is just one more reason that we recommend planting desert-adapted plants and trees in our landscapes, as they can survive on rainfall after they are established. 

Monsoon Season: Speaking of the water cycle, forecasts indicate that we may have a very wet and active monsoon season this summer. If so, it will be a great opportunity to turn irrigation systems off if rainfall provides enough water for your landscape. If you get at least one-half inch of rain, you can skip a watering cycle. Monsoon season runs from June 15 through September 30, so be ready for wind, dust, and power outages... and let's hope for that predicted noteworthy rainfall.

Recommendations below are for plants that are established in the landscape (in the ground about two years).

Due to historic drought, climate change and over-allocation, conditions on the Colorado River are worsening. In January, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation issued a Tier 1 shortage declaration for the first time on the Colorado River. This action triggered the City of Mesa to enact Stage One of our Water Shortage Management Plan.

While there will not be mandatory water restrictions in Stage One, this stage of the Plan calls for reduction of water use at City facilities, limits on overseeding for City landscaping, and launching a public awareness campaign to alert residents to water shortage conditions and the voluntary measures they can take to save water.

Drought and shortage are not short-term problems. Mesa remains committed to water-wise management and efficient water use to ensure sustainable growth and a thriving economy. Water conservation and efficiency are vital to a sustainable future in the desert.

• Water Shortage Management Plan
• Colorado River Shortage Fact Sheet
• Help Out With The Drought (Water-Saving Ideas)

Our May Sustainability Savings Tip:

Thirsty for Simple Ways to Save Water? Resources to help you save water are overflowing! We offer details on four simple tips:

1. Change your water use habits.
2. Install water-saving fixtures and/or appliances.
3. Identify and fix leaks.
4. Reduce your outdoor water use.

A great first step to saving water is by understanding how much water you are currently using in your household. If you still receive a paper bill, you’ll find this information in your monthly mailing. But for more detailed information like payment records and historical use, log into the My Utility Account portal.

Citrus Fruit Drop

It is a normal occurrence this time of year and is a natural thinning process. Learn about this and see other great pics in a U of A publication, Diagnosing Home Citrus Problems. If your leaves look healthy, the fruit drop is not likely caused by lack of water.

Find recordings for these programs and more on our Events Page.

• Secrets of Summer Watering & Maintenance. Covers landscape watering, and best tips and advice to get your plants through the hot summer months.
• Landscaping with Style in the AZ Desert. Learn the seven common-sense design principles needed to help you create a sense of place, attract birds, and butterflies.
• Plants to Provide Shade, Color, and Wildlife. Looking for a landscape that will provide a shady retreat, year-round color, or that will attract butterflies?

Our watering recommendations are based on science from the University of Arizona. It is healthier for grass if you apply .75 inch (3/4 inch) of water each time you irrigate to wet the root zone to a depth of about 8 inches. This encourages roots to go deeper into the soil where they are better protected from hot, dry winds.

With this amount of water, your grass will only need watering once every 3 days in the hottest part of summer, and less often as we get into the fall months. How do you know if you're applying 3/4" of water? I thought you'd never ask! See pages 7 & 8 of our watering guide. Once you've found your run time for your specific system, you only need to change your frequency of watering throughout the year, based on changing seasons.

We've handpicked some of our favorite news from Water – Use It Wisely:

• Slipper Flower or Pedilanthus
• Pollinator-Friendly Plants Are All the Buzz
• How to Use Olla Irrigation
• Why Artificial Turf May Not Be What You're Looking For
• Five Common Landscape Mistakes During Monsoon Season

June 15 at 5 p.m. on Zoom. Only Rain in the Storm Drain! Help the City of Mesa keep it that way by joining us for a quick presentation about our Storm Water Management Plan followed by an opportunity for Q&A and public comment. Follow this link to learn about the City of Mesa’s environmental programs and to register for the live virtual event.

If you missed the spring SRP Water Conservation Expo this past spring, you're in luck! It's back! 

The SRP Water Expo brings together SRP experts and members of our community virtually to celebrate water in the Valley and find new ways to help conserve this precious resource.

You'll not only learn about SRP's water stewardship and how we're making a difference together, but you'll also have the opportunity to save hundreds on a smart irrigation controller (Rachio or Hunter) to take your money savings to the next level. Registration is now open for July 12, 14, and 16 programs.