Mesa enters water awareness stage, asks residents to cut back usage

PHOENIX — The city of Mesa is moving to reduce water usage after entering stage one of its water shortage management plan this week.

“We’re not asking for mandatory water restrictions,” said Kathy Macdonald, Mesa’s water resources planning advisor. “We’re just trying to heighten awareness … and encourage our residents to use water efficiently.”

Macdonald stresses it’s not a matter of running out of water, just rethinking how it’s used.

“Mesa has a very robust water portfolio,” she said. “We get water from multiple sources, including the Salt and Verde rivers, the Colorado River and groundwater supplies.”

Troubling trends at one of those suppliers have caused the city to rethink water usage, however.

“Conditions on the Colorado River are worsening, and it doesn’t look like they’re going to get better any time soon,” Macdonald says.

The new water management plan urges the reduction of water usage around Mesa, starting with the city.

Arizona’s third-largest city is pledging to cut back on water use at city facilities, including parks. They’re urging residents to do their part, too.

Macdonald said there are a lot of simple ways for citizens to reduce their water usage.

“Checking for leaks around your home, or maybe irrigating your landscaping more efficiently,” Macdonald suggests. “Also, just being mindful of how much water you’re actually using.”

How much water should people use? It can be a tough question to answer for those who have never really had to think about it.

Macdonald says Mesa has a tool that may be able to help.

“Residents can go to our website where they can find tips and tools [to save water] tailored to the needs of their family and the unique needs of their home.”

Will Mesa ever implement tighter restrictions? Macdonald doesn’t see it happening soon.

“In the latter stages of our plan, we do have some mandatory water restrictions,” she said.

“That just really depends on how bad this situation gets. We’re always monitoring conditions on the Colorado River to be sure we’re taking the right steps.