Conserve Outside

Overview Why Save Water Outside? Despite our rainy winters, we get less rainfall than Tucson, AZ during the summer months. That's when our reservoirs are lowest, and demand for irrigation water is highest. Choosing drought-tolerant plants, building rich soil, watering wisely, and following the other key steps below will help you.

• Save money on water bills
• Save time maintaining your garden
• Protect your family's health by reducing the need for chemicals
• Protect our environment
• Grow a healthy, beautiful yard and garden all year 'round!

How To's Make the most of the water you will use in the summer:

• Aerate lawns in the spring to better absorb water.
• Mulch planting beds to decrease evaporation.
• Select the right plants for the right place - consult our new Plant List.
• Tune-up and improve your irrigation system - rebates are available!
• Wash your cars at locations that recycle their water.

5 Steps to Save Water Whether you're starting from scratch or improving an existing garden, follow these five steps:

• Build healthy soil with compost and mulch for plants with deeper roots, fewer pest and weed problems, and lower water needs.
• Choose the right plants that that are pest-resistant, require less water, and match the sun, shade, and soil in your yard. Use the Plant List to select the right plants for your garden,
• Practice smart watering to prevent plant disease. If you have an automatic watering system, check our Irrigation/Sprinkler System Rebates.
• Think twice before using pesticides. Keep your plants healthy by creating a garden that prevents problems before they start.
• Practice natural lawn care and enjoy a healthy lawn that needs less water, fertilizer and pesticides.

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