Credit Steven Depolo
Scottsdale, Arizona, lies within the Phoenix Metropolitan Area in eastern Maricopa County. Scottsdale is a popular retirement and tourist destination, with planned residential communities, an active night life and many cultural attractions. Situated in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale experiences mild winters and hot, dry summers. Average summer highs are above 100 degrees. Average winter temperatures are above freezing, but can dip as low as 19 degrees.
Saving Water
Because Scottsdale lies in an arid environment, water is scarce. The City of Scottsdale offers rebates to residential and business consumers for using specific water conservation devices and measures. Conserving water can be easy both inside and outside the home by following a few basic guidelines. Turning water off while brushing teeth or washing dishes is a simple way to save water. Using hot water re-circulators avoids having to let water run before hot water reaches the tap. Checking pipes and fixtures for leaks identifies unseen wastage. Installing aerators on taps reduces water usage by about 30 percent.
Water Saving Appliances
Different brands of toilets, shower heads, dishwashers and washing machines use varying amounts of water. Installing water-saving appliances and fixtures can save hundreds of gallons of water over a year. The EPA’s WaterSense label on bathroom fixtures assures consumers that the product has demonstrated water-saving results. Using less water means using less energy to heat water, an added savings in both resource and cost.
Xeriscaping
In the garden, xeriscaping incorporates plants that are adapted to the local environment and require less water. Many drought-resistant plants, including annual and perennial flowers, trees and ornamental grasses, provide color and create the feeling of a lush landscape. Composting food scraps results in mulch that not only fertilizes but reduces evaporation.
Being aware of water usage for your Scottsdale homes helps each person conserve. Small changes in habit can add up to big water savings.
Image credit: Steven Depolo
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Great article, Brandon! This is the first time I’ve heard of “xeriscaping”, but it makes great sense. Even up here in Minneapolis, we typically have drought conditions from mid-July through the month of August. We have to water constantly to keep our vegetation green!
Thanks for the interesting article Brandon. I am looking to purchasing some real estate in Arizona and am looking into a lot of tax rebates. I am definitely leaning towards water and energy friendly appliances like solar panels and water friendly washing machines. I too had never heard of xeriscaping but it seems like the perfect fir for me as I have a hard enough time keeping my plants alive already. Maybe the switch to more water friendly plants is just what i need.