The September and October rains were a great reminder of the value of rainwater harvesting. Why pay for water when you can capture and use rainwater instead of letting it run off your landscape? Rainwater is clean, salt-free, and naturally rich in nutrients that benefit plants.

Rainwater harvesting uses simple, effective techniques to keep this valuable resource on your property. Learn more by reading our Sustainability Savings Tip, which highlights our top five reasons to take advantage of rainwater harvesting.

And if this smart, water-wise concept really speaks to you, don’t miss the amazing opportunity below to learn more.

Do you want to better understand how rainwater moves through your landscape – and how to capture and use it effectively? Starting next week, ASU’s Urban Nature Program, in partnership with Watershed Management Group, is bringing their expertise to Mesa through a hands-on Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) workshop series focused on practical, real-world rainwater harvesting.

The series will be led by Joaquin Murrieta of Watershed Management Group, a nonprofit recognized for its expertise in the design and installation of rainwater-harvesting systems across Arizona. You’ll learn firsthand how desert landscapes, soils, plants, and water systems work together to capture and use rainwater effectively.

Whether you’re a homeowner, master gardener, or landscape contractor, you’ll leave with tools and insights you can apply immediately.

You’ll learn how to:

✔️ Understand how water moves across your property and how to reduce runoff

✔️ Design water-smart, heat-resilient landscapes

✔️ Use native plants, shade, and permaculture practices to conserve water

✔️ Apply real-world rainwater harvesting techniques at a residential scale

Plus, enjoy prizes, swag, free guides, and other resources to take home.

📅 Workshop Series Highlights

Day 1 – Friday, Jan. 23 | 3–6 p.m.

- Introduction to green stormwater infrastructure and rainwater harvesting

- Presentation followed by a guided tour of Downtown Mesa rainwater-harvesting landscape projects

- You must attend Day 1 to participate in Days 2 and 3. There is an option to attend Day 1 only.

Day 2 – Saturday, Jan. 24 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

- Hands-on design session at Mesa home: sun angles, soils, water calculations, and more

Day 3 – Saturday, Feb. 7 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

- Hands-on demonstration and installation at Mesa home

🏆Participants who attend all 3 days will receive certificate of completion!

📍The class and tour will begin at the ASU MIX Center (50 N. Centennial Way, Downtown Mesa). 

🎟️ FREE! But space is limited! RSVP today

1. Citrus Display and Tasting
2. Citrus Fertilizing
3. Date Palms for the Home Grower
4. Citrus Planting and Care
5. Deciduous Fruit Trees
6. Citrus Pests
7. Citrus Diseases
8. Citrus Irrigation

Thursday, Jan. 22, 6:15-8:15 p.m. Spring Gardening: How to Maximize Warm-Season Harvests, presented by Angela Judd. 

Don't miss this upcoming virtual session taught by this exceptional presenter. Angela Judd brings deep knowledge, experience, and passion for desert vegetable gardening. Learn more and register.

This spring, Mesa is celebrating America's birthday with a special giveaway – 250 Liberty Trees, available while supplies last. These trees symbolize strength, endurance, and hope, offering a living tribute to our nation’s history while adding shade and cleaner air to our neighborhoods.

We’re excited to offer our electric customers up to two free, desert-native or desert-adapted shade trees to shade your home, lower cooling costs, and help clean our air without using a lot of water. 

Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-Noon. Mesa Electric Shade Tree Workshop. Register now.

Visit our Trees Are Cool interactive website to learn how reducing energy and planting more trees can contribute to our climate action goals and to record your newly planted trees.

> Are You an SRP Electric Customer?

SRP is offering desert-adapted shade trees for their customers as well. The 2025 classes are now open! Get two free shade trees by attending an SRP Shade Tree workshop (Zoom) on Jan. 24 or Feb. 14. Learn more. 

These classes are for SRP electric customers only. But if you get trees from SRP, please record them on our Trees Are Cool site.

Photo: Thornless Mesquite

Saturday, Feb. 28, 8 a.m.-Noon. The SRP Water Conservation Expo brings together members of our community to raise awareness of water in the Valley and showcase ways to conserve at home.

This free event includes great discounts on smart irrigation controllers. Get a Rachio 3 or Hunter Controller for $60+tax (list price is $240 and $409 respectively). New this year is an offer to purchase efficient sprinkler spray heads and nozzles at a discount.

Sign up for classes, including Sustainable Landscaping in the Sonoran Desert, presented by Carianne Funicelli. The presentation will cover a variety of native plant species that can be successfully used to attract pollinators and wildlife while using limited water.

Mesa's water conservation staff will be on hand for one-on-one chats about our programs, including our grass-to-xeriscape incentive. At our Water – Use It Wisely booth, stop by for a chance to win great prizes.  

Location: PERA Club, 1 E Continental Dr., Tempe. Learn more!

Mesa and its residents pay tribute to the leadership and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day of remembrance on Martin Luther King (MLK) Day, Monday, Jan. 19, will begin with the annual Mesa-East Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in downtown Mesa followed by a community festival from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The Plaza at Mesa City Center...

January Landscape Watering Reminder Get your January watering schedule, learn about HOA incentive programs, stuck-on valves, and more.

Water – Use It Wisely's Five Favorite Blogs of 2025

Take a 'drip' down memory lane with us to see what blog topics were our favorites last year. Learn about pollinator-friendly plants, how to trade your grass for Xeriscape, and the top five summer landscape mistakes!

Simple Ways to Check for Water Leaks – With Videos!

Water leaks not only increase your monthly bills but also contribute to unnecessary water waste. As responsible homeowners in Arizona, it’s crucial to be proactive in conserving water and reducing our environmental...

Diverse Water Sources Provide Resilience Today, But Ongoing Investment is Crucial for the Future

Arizona's success in the desert isn't just luck – it's the result of decades of proactive planning and strategic investments in water security. While headlines focus on drought, the Colorado River shortage, and groundwater challenges, it's essential to understand the two-pronged strategy...

Mesa's Climate Action Plan focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions while advancing strategies that increase sustainability across our community. To do this, we engage residents and businesses in becoming climate-ready through six focus areas: Energy, Heat Mitigation, Air Quality, Water Stewardship, Materials Management, and Food Systems.

Rainwater harvesting supports the plan by reducing potable water demand, helping manage stormwater runoff (and pollution), and creating cooler, more resilient landscapes. Small actions at home add up to meaningful climate benefits citywide.

Photo: Curb cuts collecting stormwater at Mesa Urban Garden