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Parks are Green and Water Lean
Scottsdale’s parks are green and inviting yet water lean. From January 2002 to December 2009 the Parks Department has saved 1.3 billion gallons of water! How do they do it? They set water budget goals for all City-owned parks and then implement water-saving techniques to reach those goals.Many people do not realize that the City is required to report water usage to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) annually. ADWR has a program that regulates water use on large turf (grass) facilities such as parks, schools, and golf courses. ADWR determines how much water is needed for a facility to efficiently water its landscape based on the facility’s characteristics. In 2002, Scottsdale utilized ADWR’s formulas to set water budget goals, regardless of size, for all of its parks. Then, in 2003 the Parks Department started a water conservation program to exceed ADWRs goals (i.e. cut water use) by an additional 15%.
How do they do it?
- Utilize central irrigation system for automatic shutoff during water main breaks
- Train employees annually on proper irrigation and water management techniques
- Monitor park water usage monthly
- Perform regular preventive maintenance on irrigation equipment
- Perform detailed water audits when water usage issues occur
- Discontinue overseeding for winter grass unless required by contractual obligation
- Replaced 271,000 sq. ft. of grass (approximately 5 football fields) with Xeriscape
HELP AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
- Frequently Asked Questions: Water Use in City Parks and Gathering Spaces
- Residential Water Use
- Five Rebates for Water Customers
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