WaterSmart Workshops

WaterSmart workshops teach homeowners the basics of landscape water conservation through informative workshops based on the principles of xeriscape. An estimated 500 residents of Tucson and surrounding areas attend these free classes each year to learn techniques and applications for water-efficient landscaping compatible with the urban desert landscape.

For more information including the 2012 schedule of workshops, call the SmartScape Program Office at (520) 626-5161 or visit their web page.

WaterSmart Workshop Schedule

Tucson Water sponsors this popular lecture series with the Pima County Cooperative Extension. The SmartScape Program promotes attractive landscaping with water conservation. WaterSmart lectures help homeowners whether they are going to hire someone, do the work themselves, or maintain or upgrade their existing landscape and irrigation. The following describes the subjects offered.

• Rainwater Harvesting
  This workshop teaches simple and complex water harvesting methods. Discussion focuses on passive ways to redirect of water for immediate use and active ways to capture water for later use. Gray Water usage regulations and water budgeting are also discussed.
• Residential Drip Irrigation (Residential Irrigation)
  This hands-on workshop is designed to teach participants how to assemble a basic drip irrigation system, maintain it, install a timer and develop a schedule an automated irrigation system. Each participant receives a box of parts (for use during the class) and learns how to correctly identify and assemble the parts. Programmable irrigation timers are also provided for in-class use to demonstrate ease in setting an irrigation clock.
• Gray Water Rebate Seminars
  These 2-hour seminars are designed specifically for residential water customers interested in installing a permanent gray water irrigation system for their landscape plants. Information regarding Tucson Water's rebate program guidelines for Gray Water Irrigation Systems as well as the City of Tucson Gray Water Ordinance, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations, and practical considerations will be presented.
• Hands-On Waterwise Garden Design
  Have you ever wondered how all of the elements of water-saving landscapes - such as water smart plantings, efficient irrigation, and rainwater harvesting - come together to make beautiful home gardens? Join award-winning garden designer and author Scott Calhoun for a hands-on class that will help you develop a conceptual xeric garden design. Participants should plan on bringing a basic site map (a drawing of their lot with their house on it) of their garden drawn on graph paper.

For more information including the 2012 schedule of classes, call the SmartScape Program Office at (520) 626-5161 or visit their web page.