Water Matters April 2023

City of Tucson sent this bulletin at 04/03/2023 08:00 AM MST

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Meet the Five Category Winners: (1) Mammals (excluding bobcats), Rob Scott, Sweetwater Raccoon; (2) Heart of the Wetlands, Hunt Smith, Mountain Echo; (3) Birds/Reptiles, Steve Winker, Sitting Pretty; (4) Aquatic/Insects, Tim Van Den Berg, Whimsical Wings; (5) Bobcats, BG Boyd, Sweetwater Bobcat

Winning Photographers & Images
Sweetwater Wetlands Photo Contest

From a yawning bobcat to a high-stepping Snowy Egret, the images submitted to the Wildlife at the Wetlands Photo Contest reveal Sweetwater Wetlands’ wild side and unique ecosystem.

The Sweetwater Wetlands is a wildlife habitat, public park, water treatment facility, and one of the most important components of the City’s reclaimed water system. Built in 1996 to handle backwash filter water from the reclaimed water plant, this mature wetlands now uses reclaimed water exclusively in basins that are hugged by more than 2.5 miles of shady pathways.

Photographers captured more than 100 stunning images that were submitted across five categories. Tucson Water’s contest judges scored each entry on a 0-5 scale based on image quality, composition, caption, creativity, and content/feeling. Images reflect each photographer’s keen eye, steady patience, respect for their subjects, and sometimes, the luck of seizing a moment.

“While wandering the paths and scanning the trees for birds, I suddenly realized that something was watching me! Raising my camera and zooming in on a cottonwood tree, I found this curious young raccoon staring back at me.” Rob Scott

Coming soon, Sweetwater Wetlands visitors will be able to see signs featuring images of the first place and runner-up winners throughout the preserve.

Commercial photography is allowed by prior arrangement with Tucson Water. All visitors, including photographers, are prohibited from feeding or disturbing Wetlands wildlife. See facility rules at tucsonaz.gov/water/sweetwater-wetlands.

Behind the Scenes

Click to travel to the Sweetwater Wetlands: See and enjoy all the images from the Photo Contest and learn the photographer’s name.

Deborah Laferty, Vermilion Flycatcher

Tips to Save Water

This April celebrate Arizona Water Awareness Month and Earth Day by connecting to Water Use it Wisely to delve into the website of Tucson Water’s newest conservation partner. Since 1999, Water Use it Wisely has focused on showing people of all ages how and when to use water. Check out the almost 200 water-saving tips for indoors, outdoors, kids, and the workplace. There’s also an event calendar, blog, e-newsletter, and interactive games for kids.

“Is Tucson Water responsible for fire hydrants? Why flush them?”

Yes, Tucson Water is responsible for 25,000+ fire hydrants, including engineering, installing, inspecting, testing, and maintenance. A controlled hydrant flush is key to preventative maintenance. State law requires that we track and report any water loss – including flushing. We try to direct the flush to storm drains or arroyos so that it infiltrates into our aquifer.

More info is at tucsonaz.gov/water/water-matters/october2020/flushing-fire-hydrants

Mayor’s Message: Take the Water Conservation Challenge

Mayor Regina Romero invites you to participate in the 2023 Wyland Foundation National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. It takes less than a minute to visit mywaterpledge.com and complete a short survey about things you can do to save water and other natural resources. You'll be entered to win hundreds of eco-friendly prizes. Tucson has won the national prize three times in previous years. Pledge online by April 30th to make Tucson a winner again! The Mayor also encourages all Tucsonans to learn more about our unique approach to water conservation by visiting the Desert Dweller guide at desertdweller.tucsonaz.gov.