Every drop of water counts. It’s a common saying, but one that Salt River Project (SRP) has taken seriously for more than 120 years. Today, the largest supplier of raw water to the Greater Phoenix region continues its commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply for generations to come.
With that in mind, SRP has set a goal to conserve 5 billion gallons of water by 2035 through partnerships with businesses and residents.
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A shared responsibility
SRP continues to collaborate with local municipalities, organizations and nonprofits to lead conservation research, pioneer watershed restoration efforts and bring educational opportunities to communities throughout the Valley.
“I believe that water resiliency is a shared responsibility,” says Leeann Yacuel, senior water planning analyst at SRP. “It starts with understanding how water is used both indoors and outdoors and identifying opportunities to save while incorporating long-term water planning into day-to-day operations.”
The annual SRP Water Conservation Expo is one such opportunity. Businesses and residents can learn about the latest innovations in water-saving technology and take advantage of exclusive discounts on irrigation products.
Putting conservation to work
The Municipal Grass Conversion Rebate Program works with municipalities to offer dollar-for-dollar rebate matches for converting grass to water-efficient landscaping.
The Town of Gilbert, for example, allows local businesses to receive up to $30,000 to remove grass and replace it with low-water-use landscaping.
“Through that partnership, we’ve converted 114,000 square feet of grass, and saved an estimated 5.7 million gallons of water,” Yacuel says.
SRP offers similar rebate match programs to several other metro cities including Goodyear, Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe and Queen Creek.
It is estimated that over one third of all water applied to commercial and public landscapes is the result of overwatering. HOAs and businesses can focus on outdoor water use by utilizing Waterfluence, a software tool designed to help set data-driven water budget benchmarks for commercial landscape managers, which is offered for free by several Valley municipalities.
Since 2022, the SRP Waterfluence partnership program has conserved over 586 million gallons of water. Businesses and HOAs can contact their water provider to find out if they offer the program.
SRP partners with a local nonprofit, Friends of the Verde River, to support the River Friendly Living Grants Program. This initiative funds innovative water-saving projects that benefit businesses, homes and crucial water ecosystems like the Verde River.
Through the grant program, businesses and organizations are eligible to apply for up to $5,000. Priority projects for SRP funding include irrigation efficiency, lawn removal and commercial water conservation upgrades. Applications for the Fall 2026 grant cycle close on Oct. 31. More details can be found at verderiver.org/grants.
Start with water use
Yacuel says improving water conservation can begin with three essential steps:
- Review your water bill to establish a baseline. “You can install submeters to see different water use and also monitor usage trends over time.”
- Identify efficiency opportunities. “Fix leaks, optimize irrigation systems, upgrade fixtures and make operational improvements that reduce water waste.”
- Set realistic goals. “Develop measurable water efficiency or resiliency targets that align with business operations and sustainability objectives.”
Tools and resources
There are many resources available to help businesses get started. The EPA’s WaterSense program offers tools and guidance for commercial facilities. Local water providers may offer rebates, technical assistance or other conservation programs that can support your efforts.
When utilities, businesses, communities and water providers work together to manage water resources efficiently and responsibly, we can build a stronger, more resilient future for Arizona and the generations that follow.
To learn more about SRP’s community water conservation initiatives and programs, visit //srp.net/conservation.
