SRP and the Phoenix Zoo are teaming up to increase water conservation efforts.
The utility announced a grant providing the zoo with funding and resources to increase water conservation.
SRP will fund roughly $70,000 in upgrades and $12,000 in training and equipment implementation.
The 126-acre property is home to more than 3,000 animals and serves 1.4 million guests each year. Many of the large animal habitats include ponds.
Linda Hardwick with the Phoenix Zoo says although they don’t directly impact the animals, 7 million gallons of water have already been saved through the new systems.
“It allows us to water the habitat very efficiently, we’re able to jump on any water leak quickly, we’re able to fill all of these ponds that we have for our rhinos and our elephants and our big cats,” Hardwick said.
Meanwhile, Patty Garcia-Likens with SRP said the partnership helps support the utility’s goal to save 5 billion gallons of water by 2035.
“It was so important for us on our end to enable the zoo to be able to provide that habitat for the animals, but save water at the same time,” Garcia-Likens said.
New irrigation technologies will allow the zoo to measure its water use to better manage efficiency.
The two have worked together in the past on projects such as Zoo Lights, a popular holiday tradition that transforms the zoo into a bright and colorful winter wonderland.
When teaming up, Garcia-Likens says both parties were influenced through their mission of “ensuring sustainability for the Valley as a whole.”
EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated to correct SRP's goal to save 5 billion gallons of water would be by 2035.
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