Seasonal Tips:

winter
Winter in the mid elevation climate zone is cool, often with near-freezing temperatures. The last killing frost usually occurs before mid- April.


• Adjust irrigation and watering schedule for winter temperatures and shorter days.
  
  
• Turn off automatic watering systems when it rains, or install a rain sensor to do this automatically.
  
  
• To protect your plumbing, wrap any exposed pipes with insulation and disconnect and drain your garden hoses. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut off the main water valve immediately.
  
  
spring
Spring in the mid elevation climate zone is cool to mild and one of the driest times of the year. Temperatures rise from March to May however, there can be killing frosts as late as mid-April.


• Adjust irrigation and watering schedule for warmer temperatures and plant growth.
  
  
• Apply mulch around the base of plants to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.
  
  
• Turn off sprinklers and postpone watering on windy days to reduce evaporation loss.
  
  
summer
Summer in the mid elevation climate zone is warm to hot, and early summer is one of the driest times of the year.

Click on the TIPS and RESOURCES TABS for more information about Irrigation and Plant Watering.


• Adjust irrigation and watering schedule for summer temperatures.
  
  
• Collect monsoon rainwater from your roof by installing gutters and downspouts, and direct rainwater to your plants.
  
  
• Water plants early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
  
  
• If you use an evaporative cooler, reduce the flow of bleed-off water discharged, and use it to irrigate plants that are not sensitive to the salts.
  
  
• Turn off automatic watering systems when it rains, or install a rain sensor or a smart controller to do this automatically.
  
  
• Protect your home from wildfires (which are more common during drought) by making sure that any plants located near the house are more widely-spaced and lower-growing than those farther away.
  
  
fall
Fall in the mid elevation climate zone is mild, with temperatures cooling significantly from September to November.


• Adjust irrigation and watering schedule when the temperatures cool, usually in October.
  
  
• Turn off automatic watering systems when it rains, or install a rain sensor to do this automatically.
  
  
• Mulch to protect plants from frost.
  
  
• Winterize plumbing to keep pipes from bursting (typically 20 degrees F. or below).
  
  

Events:
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My Town’s Water Planning Area
My town is in the Southeastern planning area. This area's basins have generally large reserves of groundwater, the primary water supply. The Gila and San Pedro rivers are the main sources of surface water. Approximately 85% of the total water used is for agriculture, and most of this is groundwater.

Large community water systems in this area include:
Arizona Water Company - Bisbee, San Manuel, Sierra Vista
Bella Vista South, Sierra Vista
City of Sierra Vista
City of Douglas
City of Willcox
Graham County Utilities, Pima
Morenci Water Electrical Co.- Clifton
Morenci Water Electrical Co. – Morenci
Pueblo del Sol Water Co., Sierra Vista
Town of Duncan
Town of Kearny

My Town's Climate Zone:
My town is in the Mid Elevation Climate Zone. This zone consists of high deserts, semi-desert grassland, chaparral and woodlands ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 feet. Annual precipitation ranges from 10 to 20 inches.

More Info:
Greenlee County Cooperative Extension Office
The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension offices translate research-based information to help people solve real, everyday problems and improve the quality of life. Several programs address water use, landscaping and gardening.

Map of Arizona's Groundwater Basins - See page 14 for a color map of Arizona's counties and 51 groundwater basins.

Arizona Drought Reports - See monthly and quarterly updates about Arizona's drought status.

Future Water Demand and Supplies - Learn about your groundwater basin's current and potential future water supplies.

Aquifer Groundwater Levels - Use the Groundwater Inventory (GWSI) to find the water levels of wells within Arizona's groundwater basins.

Surf Your Watershed - Find your watershed and organizations that are working to protect water quality.