- Arizona continues its long legacy of prioritizing water conservation.
- Communities embrace water-wise landscaping and reuse initiatives.
- Major farms and industries find innovative ways to reduce water use.
- Water Awareness Month 2024 features expanded celebrations.
March 28, 2024 — The ongoing drought in the Southwest underscores a key point: water conservation is here to stay. According to a news release from the Department of Water Resources, Arizona leads the way, having maintained water consumption at 1950s levels despite massive population growth, thanks to its landmark Groundwater Management Act.
During Water Awareness Month (WAM) this April, the State will showcase its conservation successes.
Communities across Arizona are replacing thirsty landscaping with native, drought-resistant plants. Water reuse is gaining wider acceptance. Industries and farms are pioneering ways to decrease water consumption. This proactive approach will be fully displayed as the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) and partners host a month-long series of events, including a kick-off celebration on April 6th at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.
The WAM festival features over 36 booths, including nine from the ADWR. Speakers will include high-profile officials like ADWR Assistant Director Carol Ward. This event emphasizes Arizona’s widespread commitment to water conservation, which dates back to a 2008 executive order and continues to be strengthened today.
More details at ADWR’s website.
IMAGE:Â 2023 Water Awareness Month event via ADWR’s news release.
I will also note that having every kind of precipitation possible over the last 4 days has been a nice change of pace as I do love the occasional crappy Jersey weather day.