10 Simple Ways to Save Water This Summer in Tucson

Summers in Tucson are intense—scorching heat, dry winds, and minimal rainfall. It’s a season where water usage naturally spikes, especially when it comes to keeping landscapes alive. But what if you could maintain a thriving yard and save thousands of gallons of water every month?

With strategic upgrades and a few key habits, it’s possible. Here are 10 smart, sustainable, and science-backed ways Tucson homeowners can cut back on water use this summer without sacrificing curb appeal.

1. Start with a Professional Irrigation Audit

Most homeowners don’t realize they’re wasting water until it’s too late—either their plants start wilting or their utility bill skyrockets. That’s why a professional irrigation audit is the first step toward efficiency.

A certified irrigation technician will:

• Inspect your system for leaks, pressure issues, and faulty heads

• Evaluate sprinkler spacing and coverage

• Check the controller’s programming

• Recommend upgrades to improve performance

At Conserva Irrigation, we offer free audits, making it easy to identify hidden inefficiencies and develop a water-saving game plan tailored to your property.

2. Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation Controller

Tucson’s weather can be unpredictable—one day it's 108°F, the next there’s a monsoon. A smart controller adjusts automatically using real-time weather data and plant water needs (evapotranspiration rates). These systems:

• Reduce overwatering by up to 50%

• Pause watering during rainy days

• Adapt to seasonal changes without manual adjustments

In short: less waste, healthier plants, and more money in your pocket.

3. Switch to Drip Irrigation

Unlike traditional sprinklers that lose water to wind and evaporation, drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the plant’s root zone—where it’s needed most.

Drip systems are ideal for:

• Garden beds

• Trees and shrubs

• Desert-adapted plants

They’re low maintenance, cost-effective, and compatible with most smart controllers.

4. Check for Leaks and Misaligned Heads

One broken sprinkler head or underground leak can waste hundreds of gallons per week. Make it a habit to:

• Walk your landscape weekly

• Check for pooling water, soggy spots, or dry patches

• Inspect nozzles, risers, and fittings for wear

Simple fixes like replacing worn washers or straightening tilted heads can dramatically improve system performance.

5. Water Early in the Morning

Watering between 4 AM and 9 AM is ideal. Why?

• Temperatures are cooler

• Wind speeds are lower

• Evaporation rates are at their minimum

Watering during this window allows moisture to absorb deeply into the soil before the sun can dry it out.

6. Mulch, Mulch, Mulch

Adding a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around plants, trees, and garden beds helps:

• Retain soil moisture

• Regulate soil temperature

• Suppress weeds (which compete for water)

Organic mulches like shredded bark, compost, or wood chips also enrich the soil over time.

7. Replace Thirsty Turf with Native Plants

Traditional grass lawns require constant watering to stay green in Tucson’s climate. By swapping turf for native and low-water-use plants, you can save thousands of gallons each season.

Top native choices:

• Red yucca

• Desert marigold

• Brittle bush

• Chuparosa

• Desert milkweed

Bonus: These plants attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity.

8. Install Rain Sensors and Moisture Meters

Even with a smart controller, adding rain sensors or soil moisture meters provides extra protection against unnecessary watering.

Rain sensors shut off the system when precipitation is detected, while moisture sensors prevent watering if the soil already has sufficient hydration. These small tools cost little—but save big over time.

9. Use High-Efficiency Nozzles and Pressure Regulators

Standard spray nozzles often produce a fine mist that evaporates before it hits the ground. High-efficiency rotary nozzles, on the other hand, emit larger water droplets in a slow, sweeping motion that reduces evaporation and runoff.

Add pressure regulators to ensure optimal flow for your irrigation zones. This prevents misting, overspray, and wasted water.

10. Educate Everyone in Your Household

Conservation works best when it’s a shared effort. Teach family members how to:

• Turn off the hose when not in use

• Watch for leaks or overwatering

• Adjust the controller during vacations or cooler days

A quick walk-through of your irrigation system can turn every household member into a water-saving advocate.

🌎 You Can Save Water Without Sacrificing a Beautiful Yard

Being water-wise doesn’t mean giving up a vibrant landscape. It means making smart, sustainable choices that work with Tucson’s climate—not against it. With the right upgrades and ongoing care, your yard can be both eco-friendly and eye-catching.

📞 Call Conserva Irrigation of Tucson at (520) 462-2626 or
🌐 Visit our website to schedule a free irrigation audit or ask about our summer water-saving packages.

Together, we can make Tucson more resilient—one yard, one system, one drop at a time.