Phoenix promotes Save Water Pledge, free consultations and rebates to cut outdoor water use

Lara Van Lyth, water resource specialist and volunteer coordinator with the City of Phoenix, used the Phoenix Water Wrangler training to describe city programs designed to reduce residential and commercial water use. She outlined a Save Water Pledge, a free Water Efficiency Consultation program, and incentive and rebate programs for toilets, smart irrigation controllers and grass removal.

Van Lyth described the Save Water Pledge as a citywide initiative that emphasizes habit-based water-saving actions: "keep water in mind, find and fix leaks, choose EPA WaterSense labeled products, and water with the weather." She encouraged trainees to sign up at phoenix.gov/savewater and said participants can receive a magnet, sticker and pencil and periodic newsletters.

The Water Efficiency Consultation program offers free, on-site expert advice for homes, businesses and homeowners associations to identify water-saving opportunities and cost savings. Van Lyth cited incentive programs — specifically toilet incentives, smart irrigation controller rebates and residential and non-residential grass removal incentives — as ways the city tries to make conservation financially attractive.

On landscape conversion, Van Lyth said replacing grass with drought-tolerant or native plants can save water, stating it can save "as much as 55 gallons per every square foot." The training also pointed trainees to xeriscape planning resources, a QR code and the city website for more materials.

All program descriptions in the training were presented as resources for volunteers to share with residents; Van Lyth framed them as tools to make conservation an easier choice for individuals and communities.