Other Technologies
Saving Water the Low-tech Way
Caption plum:New technologies can mean big savings
When it comes to saving water, high-tech equipment is not always needed.
Beat the heat
Instead of residential misters and other outdoor water-cooling fans, cool outdoor patios with shade covers. Planting Arizona-native shade trees to the west or southwest of your patio can help you achieve additional cooling.
Drain-smart
You'll save water by channeling water from gutters into planting beds. Rainwater is free and filled with plant-loving nutrients. (Keep water at least ten feet from building slabs and foundations, and avoid creating areas with standing water. West Nile virus is a serious concern in the Valley.)
Looking to New Technologies
Caption plum:Choose outdoor technologies displaying WaterSense labels
When it's time to remodel, replacing old appliances and other water-using technologies with high-efficiency alternatives reduces water use in your home and landscape. WaterSense- and ENERGY STAR-labels make it easy for you to choose new technologies (see Related Links).
You can also retrofit existing technologies to reduce your water consumption:
- Weather- or sensor-based controllers, pressure-reducers, high-efficiency heads and drip lines are available to upgrade sprinkler systems; and
- Re-circulating pumps make older evaporative coolers with continuous water flow more efficient.
Where can I find out more?
- WaterSense
- ENERGY STAR
- For information on rainwater harvesting, visit Arizona Department of Water Resources or Water CASA (Conservation Alliance of Southern Arizona).
- For more information on West Nile Virus, visit Maricopa County's Public Health and Environmental Services Department.
- Visit Outdoor.
- See additional Related Links at the bottom of the left navigation bar.
