Soak in all this water conservation.

Our newsletter is monthly unless we get a good rain like this!

The past week has brought much-needed rain to the Valley, and last night central and west Mesa finally got their turn with some localized monsoon rainfall! Most areas have received more than ½ inch of rain (0.50"), with additional showers possible and milder temperatures.

🌧️ How much rainfall did you get?

If you don’t have a rain gauge, find excellent information at the Maricopa County Flood Control rainfall data maps. Once on the site, click on the rainfall map and select the '7 Day Rainfall' tab to see how much you received this past week.

💧 Did you receive ½ inch or more?

Turn your irrigation controller OFF!

Use the Off, Stop, or Rain Delay setting to pause watering without changing your programmed schedule. Your landscape just received a free, deep watering, and you'll save both water and money.

🤖 What if You Have a Smart Controller?

Good news! If you have a weather-based smart irrigation controller, it may have already adjusted your watering schedule automatically.

Most smart controllers use local weather data, Wi-Fi, or rain sensors to reduce or delay irrigation after rainfall. However, not all controllers work the same way – some rely on historical weather data rather than actual rainfall. It's worth checking your controller's settings to understand how it responds to rain.

🌦️ Enjoy the cooler weather – and let Mother Nature do the watering while she can!

When do you turn your irrigation back on?

Keep an eye on your plants for signs of wilting before restarting your irrigation. Try skipping at least one or two irrigation cycles.  For example, if you water your grass every 3 days, wait 3-6 dry days before turning your system back on.  Keep in mind: While humid days with high dew points may feel hotter to us, they're actually easier on plants. Higher humidity slows the rate at which plants lose moisture, helping them stay hydrated longer.

+ + BONUS TIPS + +

💦 Take advantage of free water! 💦

🌱 Got Weeds? After a soaking rain like this, weeds are easier than ever to pull – roots and all! Take advantage of the softened soil and remove them before they spread. This will keep weeds from competing with landscape plants for water and nutrients.  With the rains, you may start to see tiny weed seedlings popping up in your granite areas. Take action early! While seedlings are still small, they’re much easier to control. For quick results, use horticultural-strength vinegar (available at nurseries or hardware stores). Spray directly on young weeds during a sunny, dry spell for the best effect.

Cutting the Curb for Beneficial Use of Stormwater

At Mesa Urban Garden, we created a rain garden by cutting the curb to capture stormwater runoff from nearby streets and parking lots. The entire landscape can hold up to 4,500 gallons of rainwater – helping to reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and support native plants! Mesa Urban Garden, 212 E 1st Ave. 

**Reduce your landscape water use 30 to 50 percent by adjusting your irrigation each season.** Landscape Watering by the Numbers: A Guide for the Arizona Desert will help you determine how much water to apply and how long to run your system. Visit the interactive website or request a free copy of the booklet. 

-H2O-