Chandler is committed to educating our community on the best ways to save water and ensure a sustainable water supply for our future. Here are some of the water conservation actions taken by our community in 2022, along with the water we saved.
Conservation Programs
- Indoor Water Conservation Kits (For homes built prior to 1992)
- Landscape Consultations
- Landscape Water Evaluation: Budgeting
- Large Landscape Water Efficiency Program
Community Water Consciousness
Chandler residents and businesses have a long history of demonstrating their commitment to using water efficiently and embracing a culture of conservation. Residential water use in Chandler has decreased from 140 Gallons Per Capita Daily (GPCD) in 1997, down to 111 GPCD in 2021. The average Chandler household is using 20% less water today than it did 25 years ago. Businesses have also been excellent partners, investing in water sustainability efforts. Chandler has reduced its demand for potable water by recycling all of its wastewater. The City produces roughly 30,000 acre-feet of reclaimed water annually and delivers it for urban irrigation, industrial uses, aquifer recharge and riparian wetlands.
There are a variety of conservation programs available to assist the community with water savings. The City offers free water-wise site visits, turf removal rebates, Smart irrigation controller rebates, free conservation retrofit kits and a variety of conservation education programs. Chandler’s newest conservation program, the Large Landscape Water Efficiency Program is intended to reduce outdoor water use. This free program assists large water users with a customized water budget, access to web-based software, a site map (including aerial imagery) and ongoing support to manage landscape irrigation efficiency.
Ways to Conserve Water
Simple, low-cost conservation solutions
- Do not overwater landscaping and use a smart irrigation controller to reduce outdoor water use. Text WHENTOWATER to 33-222 for simple monthly reminders to keep your watering on track.
- Find and fix leaks inside and outside.
- Know the optimal amount of water to use in your home with the Water Usage Calculator.
Invest in conservation
- Remove or reduce grass lawns and replace them with Xeriscape by planting native or desert adapted trees, shrubs, and groundcover that require little water once established.
- Upgrade to water-saving toilets and a low water use dishwasher and washing machine. Look for the WaterSense label.
- Cover swimming pools to reduce evaporation.
Average Annual Water Savings
Large Landscape Water Efficiency Program
Outdoor landscaping, especially grass, is frequently overwatered. Chandler recently established the Large Landscape Water Efficiency Program (LLWEP) to help properties with large landscapes water more efficiently.
This program involves a professional consultation to evaluate the existing landscape and create a customized water use budget. Program participants receive a notification when their water use is higher than it should be. In 2022, program participants saved over 19.4 million gallons of water through better management practices. Based on current water savings and program participation, the program is on track to save 34 million gallons in 2023 and over 84 million in 2024.
Skipped Overseeding
In the 2022-2023 winter season, some Chandler HOAs voluntarily agreed to forego or skip, overseeding with winter grass. This action saved more than 22.7 million gallons.
Dormant warm-season grass only needs to be watered once every 15 to 30 days during winter, whereas winter grass should be watered once every 7 to 14 days.
By skipping a winter lawn and following these best watering practices, you should save 50 percent, or more, of the water you would typically use on a winter lawn.
We live in the desert. Conserve like you mean it.
The City launched a new water conservation campaign in 2021. Chandler's outreach campaign includes posters for City buildings and bus shelters, social media campaigns with conservation tips, updated website content, podcasts and videos that all feature the headline, “We live in the desert. Conserve like you mean it.”