Welcome to the Arizona Desert!
Many people who live in central and southern Arizona moved here from somewhere else and don’t always know where to turn when it comes time to landscape their yards or even plant simple flower gardens. Water Wise Landscaping for the Arizona Desert provides information about how to create colorful, beautiful landscapes which thrive in this arid climate.
Central and southern Arizona receive an average of 7-10 inches of rain a year. As nature would have it, there are hundreds of desert plants and trees which can provide year round blooms and greenery with a minimum amount of water.
Where Do We Get Our Water?
The two primary water sources are surface water and groundwater. Surface water is found above the ground in lakes and rivers, and is replenished every year through rainfall and snowmelt. Local sources of water include the Salt and Verde Rivers, delivered by Salt River Project. An imported source of water is the Colorado River, delivered by Central Arizona Project.
Surface water is delivered to the valley through a series of canals.
Because surface water supplies fluctuate from year to year, dams were built to create reservoirs that can be relied upon in times of drought. These reservoirs also provide flood control and recreational opportunities.
Roosevelt Lake is our largest reservoir.
Groundwater is another major source of water available to this region that is naturally stored in aquifers. Groundwater supplies are considered nonrenewable because they are not quickly replenished by nature. Because of this, Arizona law protects groundwater supplies from depletion.
What Can You Do?
You can make a commitment to save water. It is everyone’s responsibility to be the caretaker of the desert’s most precious resource. The average homeowner uses more water outside than inside. Landscaping with low-water-use plants is one of the easiest ways to make a difference.
Crystal Thompson
Central Arizona Project