Based on a water efficiency assessment conducted by SRP staff and water consultant Mimir Water, SRP will fund nearly $70,000 in upgrades and up to $12,750 in training and equipment implementation. SRP is working with the Phoenix Zoo to increase their water conservation efforts for the home to more than 3,000 animals and 1.4 million guests each year.
“Water is a precious resource, especially in the desert, and the Phoenix Zoo is committed to using it responsibly to sustain our animals, landscapes, and the community we serve,” said Andrew Fontaine, Phoenix Zoo Senior Irrigation Technician. “Thanks to SRP’s generous support, these advanced water management tools will help us identify issues quickly, optimize our water usage and enhance conservation efforts across Zoo grounds.”
SRP will help the zoo upgrade submeters to an Advanced Metering Infrastructure that will increase water efficiency by empowering zoo staff to identify and resolve leaks quickly with technology that reports water usage every 24 hours.
“SRP is thrilled to work with community partners like the Phoenix Zoo who exhibit a deep commitment to water conservation and resiliency,” said Elvy Barton, Senior Manager Water and Forest Sustainability. “Together, we’re ensuring a sustainable future for the Zoo and the environment.”
Additionally, Hunter Industries irrigation technology including flow sensors and EPA WaterSense labeled and Wi-Fi-enabled smart irrigation controllers will be installed. Hunter Industries donated expansion modules for the controllers and a remote control to help partner on the project. These irrigation technologies will allow the zoo to measure water use in order to manage efficiency.
SRP staff will be working with Mimir Water, to work with the zoo representatives to assist with upgrading existing submeters and providing operational water efficiency support.
The partnership helps support SRP’s 2035 Sustainability Goals for water conservation by identifying and supporting five billion gallons of potential water conserved by 2035 through partnership.
