CityScope: September - October 2023

How to save water outdoors

The Colorado River Basin experienced above average snowpack last winter, but one good year does not change the impacts of long-term drought. It is still important to reduce water use in our city. 

With the seasons changing and cooler weather on its way, it’s time to check the frequency of your landscape watering system. Did you know that 70% of residential water use is outdoors and 50% of landscapes are overwatered? By making sure you are not overwatering, you can help conserve Chandler’s water supplies. 

Overwatering can cause excessive growth, root diseases and other landscape maintenance problems. Deep infrequent watering encourages strong healthy root systems that can tolerate intense heat and periods of drought.

Effective irrigation system design, installation and maintenance are also important factors to consider. Prevent overspraying by making sure sprinklers serve only the required grass areas, not wasting water on non-landscaped areas. Maximize your irrigation efficiency and reduce evaporation losses by watering when the sun is down. 

You can also save thousands of gallons of water when you choose to go blonde for the winter. And by blonde, we mean skipping overseeding to let your Bermuda grass go dormant. In addition to saving water, you can lower your landscaping costs. 

Chandler also offers water conservation rebates and incentives. Visit the website to learn how to save money and water by removing grass or installing a smart irrigation controller that adjusts to weather conditions. Chandler’s rebate programs will be updated this October to provide even more savings opportunities. 

You can also take advantage of Chandler’s free Water-Wise Site Visits. Chandler offers free on-site consultations to troubleshoot unexplained high-water use. High-water use can be caused by inefficient landscape watering schedules, irrigation system leaks, malfunctioning pool equipment, leaky indoor fixtures, water softeners, reverse osmosis systems and leaky toilet flappers. 

We live in the desert and low-water-use landscaping is an important water conservation tool. Every drop counts. We have enough water to use, but never enough to waste.    

Learn more about Chandler water conservation programs, schedule a Water-Wise Site Visit, sign up for a workshop or learn more about the rebate and incentive program.
 

The Chandler app lets you connect with the city to resolve issues quickly

Connecting with the City of Chandler is as easy as a click on your smartphone or other mobile device. The city has several free mobile applications that allow residents with smartphones and tablets to access select customer services and communicate directly with staff to resolve issues in the city and your neighborhood.

With the Chandler PublicStuff mobile phone app, you can point, click and send photos of graffiti, weeds, abandoned shopping carts and other code violations. Once your account is set up, the app allows users to choose an option to receive updates on the status of their request. 

Learn more about the PublicStuff app and other ways to connect at chandleraz.gov/mobileapps. In addition to using these mobile apps, residents can contact the city through the Contact Chandler form on chandleraz.gov, or via phone, mail, or through the city’s social media accounts.