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SRP event encourages Arizonans to cut backyard water use

Salt River Project wants to help Arizonans become more efficient water users. The utility is hosting its annual Water Conservation Expo this weekend. 

The free event, open to all, is the largest one-day distribution for smart irrigation systems in the U.S.

"Smart irrigation is important because up to 70% of your household water use is outdoors. So we really want to make sure that we provide the technology that customers need to go out there and save water," said Leeann Yacuel, senior water planning analyst with SRP. “What the smart irrigation controller does, is it automatically creates watering schedules using real-time weather data and on-site conditions to determine your landscape watering needs.” 

Yacuel said households that install smart irrigation can cut water use by about 20%.

Smart irrigation systems can sell for about $200, but Yacuel said with rebates at the expo, attendees will be able to buy one for $60.

The event will also have a plant sale, xeriscaping tips and a 6-ton pile of snow for kids to play on.

The Water Conservation Expo is 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 2, at the PERA Pavilion, 1 E. Continental Dr. in Tempe. Attendees can register in advance at  srpnet.com

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Katherine Davis-Young is a senior field correspondent reporting on a variety of issues, including public health and climate change.