Tony Davis
Tucson’s water conservation odyssey started with homeowners ripping out lawns and thirsty mulberry and elm trees in the 1970s in favor of prickly pear and mesquite.Many or most front lawns had vanished here by the 1980s. In the 1990s and beyond, aging toilets and washing machines were phased out in favor of fixtures and appliances that slurp half as much water or less than their predecessors.Now, the region’s latest water conservation tool appears to be the smart water meter.Its advocates say it can detect leaks and educate homeowners and businesses about their best paths to saving water during a time of growing scarcity. But some conservationists say it’s not the ideal water-saving device because many of its benefits aren’t guaranteed — unlike those of low-flow toilets and shower heads. Other conservationists do strongly support these meters.
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Smart meters were the conservation tool of choice for water utilities, private water companies and other entities in Pima County as they recently reaped $28.2 million out of $200 million in new state conservation grants.About 55% of this region’s total grants, or $15.76 million, including $6 million that was awarded to the city of Tucson, will purchase smart meters to be installed in homes, businesses and other water users.The state’s Water Infrastructure Financing Authority’s governing board awarded the last set of grants on Wednesday, after issuing several rounds over the past year. The $200 million is by far the largest single investment ever in Arizona by a government agency on water conservation.The board awarded 187 grants, including nearly 30 to public and private water utilities and other entities in Pima County. Besides Tucson, grantees include Marana and Oro Valley, Metro Water, numerous private water companies, Pima County government, the nonprofit Watershed Management Group and the Tohono O’odham Water Utility Authority.The smart meters can electronically tran …
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