Rainwater Harvesting

Smart Water Conservation Tips for this Monsoon Season
Living in Arizona, especially in desert regions, means water conservation is always top of mind. With much of the state receiving limited rainfall—Arizona's average annual rainfall is just about 12 to 14 inches, with some areas getting even less—every drop truly counts. Fortunately, there are programs across the state helping homeowners make the most of what they get through rainwater and gray water harvesting.
Rainwater Harvesting is the practice of collecting rain from surfaces like rooftops and storing it for use in landscaping. It’s a simple concept with big benefits: lower water bills, healthier plants, and a more sustainable landscape. Many Arizona communities offer rebate programs to incentivize homeowners to install qualifying systems. For instance, systems can range from small 55-gallon barrels to large cisterns capable of collecting thousands of gallons of rainwater per year.
Here are some quick tips to help you start harvesting rainwater:
Use gutters and downspouts to direct rain into collection tanks or landscape basins.
Shape your yard with slight slopes or berms to slow and spread water where plants need it most.
Choose native or drought-tolerant plants that thrive on seasonal rainfall.
Keep your barrels or tanks covered to prevent mosquito buildup and algae.
Monsoon season, which runs from June through September, provides an opportunity to capture valuable rainwater. Preparing your system now ensures you’re ready to collect those first summer rains. Many areas in Arizona, from the northern regions to the southern deserts, see more rain during this season, making it the perfect time to start conserving water.
Gray Water Harvesting is another sustainable practice that reuses household water. Gray water is the relatively clean wastewater from showers, bathroom sinks, and washing machines—not to be confused with black water, which comes from toilets or kitchen sinks. With the right plumbing and landscaping setup, gray water can be redirected to irrigate trees, shrubs, and plants.
Across Arizona, there are rebate programs for gray water systems as well. These can cover up to $1,000 of installation costs, depending on household income. Plus, low-income assistance grants and loans may be available to help with installation costs. Installing a gray water system reduces your reliance on municipal water supplies and is another great way to conserve.
Both rainwater and gray water harvesting help reduce the demand on the state’s water resources, and they can play a key role in recharging our aquifers. It doesn’t take expensive equipment to start—simply placing a few clean buckets outside during the next rain is a great first step. Small actions can make a big difference, particularly in Arizona’s arid climate.
To learn more about rainwater and gray water harvesting programs, rebates, and local workshops, visit your local water conservation department.