Salt River Project will fund more than $80,000 in upgrades and training to increase water efficiency at the Phoenix Zoo.

The grant will enhance the zoo’s water management by providing additional and upgraded submeters as well as smart irrigation technology to increase water-efficiency efforts throughout the 126-acre property, according to a release from the Tempe-based utility.

Based on a water-efficiency assessment conducted by SRP staff and water consultant Mimir Water, SRP will fund nearly $70,000 in upgrades and up to $12,750 in training.

“These advanced water management tools will help us identify issues quickly, optimize our water usage and enhance conservation efforts across zoo grounds,” Andrew Fontaine, Phoenix Zoo senior irrigation technician, said.

SRP will help the zoo with upgrades “that will increase water efficiency by empowering zoo staff to identify and resolve leaks quickly with technology that reports water usage every 24 hours,” the release stated.

The zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals and welcomes 1.4 million guests each year.

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