Thirsty for Simple Ways to Save Water?
They've been hard to miss – headlines about drought, dwindling water supplies, and ongoing shortages on the Colorado River. Arizona has prepared for dry times by investing in water storage, conservation, new water sources, and long-term planning. But with increasing pressure on the Colorado River, every drop we save today is an investment in tomorrow. Think of it as money in the bank for those rainy... ahem... non-rainy days!
Read our August Sustainability Savings Tip [PDF] for practical ways to save water and money – from simple habit changes like fixing leaks to upgrading fixtures and taking advantage of Mesa's conservation programs and incentives.
See the statement from Mayor Freeman in the 'Sustainability News' below.
Photo: Hoover Dam intake towers at Lake Mead, a key component of the Colorado River water system.
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💧 See Your Daily Water Use –Then Pick Up a Free Watering Guide!
There's more to discover than books this month at the Mesa Main Library (64 E. 1st Street)! Throughout August, stop by to see the Water – Use It Wisely Water Tower—a 16-foot display of 120 one-gallon jugs illustrating the average amount of water each person uses every day. It's an eye-opening reminder that small changes can make a big difference.
While you're there, pick up a FREE copy of the newly updated Landscape Watering by the Numbers: A Guide for the Arizona Desert. This practical guide takes the guesswork out of landscape watering with simple, science-based techniques to help you grow healthier plants, save water, and lower your water bill.
You'll also find additional water conservation publications and resources to help you use water wisely.
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Other Locations to Pick Up Your FREE Watering Guide!
Can't make it to see the Water – Use It Wisely Water Tower? You can still pick up a FREE copy of the guide at these Mesa locations:
🌿 Participating Mesa Nurseries: A&P Nursery (Baseline & Brown Road locations), SummerWinds Nursery, Treeland Nursery, Moon Valley Nursery
📚 Mesa Libraries: Dobson Ranch Library, Gateway Library, Mesa Main Library, Red Mountain Library
🏛️ City of Mesa Customer Service: 55 N. Center St.
Or explore the digital guide and companion resources anytime at WaterUseItWisely.com/HowToWater.
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Ask An Expert: Your Watering and Landscaping Questions
Aug. 27, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Mesa Main Library Lobby, 64 E. 1st Street.
Mesa’s water conservation staff will be on hand to help you solve your most pressing landscape questions find us by the Water Tower (see above).
Bring Your Questions About:
💦 Landscape watering
🌿 Desert-friendly plants
🌼 Plant problems & seasonal care
🌱 Grass-to-Xeriscape incentives
🌧️ Rainwater harvesting
Bonus! Sign up for our Watering Reminder newsletter when you stop by for a chance to win prizes!
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Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund Info Sessions
Aug. 29, multiple times & locations.
The City of Mesa is excited to be accepting applications for the Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund (MYCAF). Youth ages 15-24 can apply for microgrants of $1,000 to $5,000 to design, manage and implement projects to promote conservation, sustainability and community resiliency in Mesa.
Teams of two or more youth can apply now through Sept. 14. Applications are evaluated by a volunteer committee, and all projects must directly benefit the Mesa community. All projects must be completed by March 31, 2027. The following info sessions are being offered:
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Take the Guesswork out of Landscape Watering
Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Mesa Main Library, Saguaro Room, 64 E 1st Street. Free! Learn more.
Join us for Part I of the Watering in the Arizona Desert Series. If you’ve ever been unsure how to water your landscape, this workshop is for you. Learn when, how often, and how much to water using simple techniques from the newly updated Landscape Watering by the Numbers guide. You’ll discover how to measure your irrigation system’s output, make seasonal adjustments, and water more efficiently to keep your landscape healthy while saving water and money. Whether you’re new to desert gardening or simply looking to fine-tune your watering practices, you’ll leave with practical skills and resources and the confidence to water wisely.
Bonus! All attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a signed book by Arizona Plant Lady (Noelle Johnson) or a $50 gift card to a local nursery.
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⚡ Was Your Latest Electric Bill a Shock?⚡
You're not alone. With another stretch of hot summer heat, many households are seeing higher-than-usual energy bills. The good news? There are simple ways to reduce energy use, stay comfortable, and save money.
Explore energy-saving tips from:
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Heat Relief and Assistance
 Mesa Opens Respite Center and Cooling Centers to Offer Heat Relief With the arrival of triple digit temperatures, the City of Mesa's Human Services Department is collaborating with local community partners to activate a day respite center, cooling centers and hydration stations to provide heat relief.
Mesa's Heat Safety page provides resources for heat relief services for unhoused individuals and other vulnerable Mesa residents. Anyone in need of assistance may dial 2-1-1 for more heat relief services including free transportation to a heat relief center. Get help finding cooling and respite centers, water and other heat relief support like utility assistance.
Shade Tree Programs – Get a Free Tree or Two
These temperatures should have you ready to plant trees!
Aug. 29 or Sept. 26. SRP Offers Free Shade Trees when you attend an online Shade Tree Planting workshop. Why? To help reduce your cooling costs, improve air quality, and cool our communities. Since summer isn't the best time to plant, there will be a tree pick-up event planned for fall. For SRP electric customers only.
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Are you a Mesa Electric customer? Great news! Our popular Electric Shade Tree Program has been funded and registration is now open!
📅 October 24
🕘 Choose a 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. session
📍 Pioneer Park
Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll visit educational stations, learn how to select, plant, and care for your tree. Then you can choose your two free shade trees to take home. All in one day.
Learn more, registration opening soon!
Photo: Youth picking out Pistache trees from Mesa's Electric Shade Tree distribution.
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If you plant a tree, record it by adding it to our Trees Are Cool planting map.
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-Learn to Live Green-
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