Planning for 2026: Setting Water-Saving Goals Over the Holidays
As the holiday season settles in and Tucson homeowners slow down to enjoy family time, this quieter stretch of the year becomes the perfect moment to think ahead. While most people focus on meal plans, decorations, or New Year’s resolutions, the end of the year is also an ideal time to reflect on how your irrigation system performed—and how you can make 2026 your most water-efficient year yet.
In Southern Arizona, outdoor water use makes up a major portion of monthly bills, especially during hotter seasons. Yet many of the biggest improvements in water savings come from small, intentional decisions. The holidays offer a rare opportunity to pause, evaluate, and set practical, sustainable water-saving goals that benefit both your landscape and your budget.
Why the Holidays Are Perfect for Planning
Between school breaks, lighter work schedules, and cooler weather, December gives homeowners a chance to observe their landscapes without summer stress. Plants grow more slowly, temperatures are milder, and irrigation cycles naturally decrease. This slower pace makes it easier to assess what worked, what didn’t, and where smart upgrades can make a difference.
Reviewing your irrigation habits now prevents another year of unnecessary waste, unexpected leaks, and inefficient watering patterns—issues that quietly drain gallons and dollars if left unaddressed.
Evaluate Your 2025 Water Use
Start by recalling your outdoor watering experience throughout the year:
Did you notice unusually high water bills during summer?
Were there soggy areas, dry patches, or inconsistent zones?
Did you find yourself manually adjusting your controller every season?
Did plants struggle during heatwaves or monsoons?
Did you experience breakdowns or leaks that kept recurring?
These small clues often point to larger system inefficiencies—ones that can be corrected with strategic planning and professional inspection before the next growing season.
Set Simple, High-Impact Water Goals for 2026
Creating water-saving goals doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simplest goals often make the biggest difference. Here are some ideas you can implement immediately:
1. Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation Controller
If your system still runs on a manual or outdated timer, upgrading to a smart controller is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. Smart controllers adjust schedules automatically based on:
Temperature
Humidity
Rainfall
Soil moisture
Seasonal changes
Homeowners who upgraded in 2025 saved 30–60% on outdoor water use—without lifting a finger.
2. Commit to a Spring Irrigation Inspection
A professional inspection in early spring (March–April) helps identify:
Hidden leaks
Cracked valves
Misaligned sprinklers
Overlapping or inefficient zones
Outdated components
Drip irrigation issues
Catching these before the intense summer heat arrives can prevent thousands of gallons of waste.
3. Plan to Reduce Watering Frequency
Winter watering in Tucson is incredibly light—often once every 10–14 days. In 2026, aim to:
Reduce watering cycles during winter
Use weather-based scheduling in spring
Avoid running summer schedules year-round
Enable your rain sensor to prevent unnecessary cycles
A small adjustment in frequency can dramatically lower bills.
4. Convert to Drip Where Possible
Drip irrigation continues to be the most efficient method for trees, shrubs, and desert plants. If your yard still relies heavily on spray zones, consider converting at least one area to drip in 2026. It delivers water directly to the roots and significantly reduces evaporation.
5. Create a Seasonal Maintenance Routine
Simple reminders can prevent costly issues:
Winter → Reduce watering
Spring → Full inspection + repairs
Summer → Monitor for leaks and pressure issues
Fall → Adjust schedules for cooler weather
This routine keeps your landscape healthy and your system efficient all year long.
A Smart Start Sets the Tone for the Entire Year
When you choose to evaluate your irrigation system now—before busy season returns—you put yourself in a position to save water, save money, and protect your landscape throughout 2026. The key is not perfection, but consistency. Small upgrades paired with seasonal checks create long-term benefits that Tucson homeowners feel every month of the year.
Start 2026 With Smarter Water Use—Schedule Your Inspection Today!
Make your landscape more efficient, sustainable, and ready for the new year.
