Mesa kicks off water awareness month with conservation challenge, community programs

The city of Mesa is partnering with the Arizona Department of Water Resources and water providers throughout the state in celebrating April as Water Awareness Month. As part of the celebration, Mesa is also participating in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.

Established in April 2008, Water Awareness Month promotes a culture of conservation, and highlights the importance of protecting Arizona’s water resources, economy and quality of life, according to a release.

“Water is one of Mesa’s most valuable resources, and Water Awareness Month is a reminder that every resident plays a part in protecting it,” Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman said in the release. “By taking the Mayor’s Water Conservation Pledge and embracing simple, everyday water‑wise habits, we can strengthen our community’s resilience and ensure a sustainable future for Mesa.”

The city is offering several opportunities for residents and businesses to participate:

Take the Water Pledge — Help Mesa reclaim its 2025 title as the “Most Water-Wise City.” The Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge is a friendly competition among cities across the country to see which community can be the most water-wise. Mayors nationwide are challenging residents to conserve water, energy and other natural resources. Participants are eligible to win daily prizes, as well as a grand prize of $3,000 towards home utilities. To learn more and take the pledge, visit mywaterpledge.com.

The National Mayor’s Challenge is sponsored by the Wyland Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1993 by environmental artist Wyland. The foundation educates millions of students each year about oceans, rivers, lakes, streams and wetlands.

Apply for increased grass-to-xeriscape incentives — Mesa has doubled its residential incentive for new grass conversion projects, now up to $4,200. This increase is supported by sponsorships from Google and SRP. Funding is limited, and terms and conditions apply. Learn more and apply at mesaaz.gov/Xeriscape.

Learn how to lessen your water use with “Your Water. Your Impact” — Mesa water customers can follow a simple three-step process – Know, Compare, Save – to better understand their monthly water use and identify opportunities to conserve based on their home and landscape. Customers may be eligible to receive a free water conservation kit upon completion. Get started at mesaaz.gov/savemywater.

Water Use It Wisely — Discover more than 100 water-saving tips for use at home or work, indoors and outdoors. The program also offers guidance on maintaining desert landscapes and educational resources for families. Visit wateruseitwisely.com to learn more.

For information about Mesa’s conservation programs, visit https://www.mesaaz.gov/Environment-Sustainability/Water-Conservation