A component of the Conservation Assistance Program, the grants provide funds for conservation projects that focus on reducing water consumption within the AMAs. ADWR's Director Rita P. Pearson awards grants based on recommendations from department staff and the Tucson AMA Groundwater Users Advisory Council. Funds for the program are collected from groundwater withdrawal fees.
Funding is provided to field test an over-watering controller device.
The purpose of the overwatering controller is to reduce over-irrigation. The device measures the conductivity in the soil which is related to soil moisture. By measuring conductivity to determine the water needs of plants, a more efficient watering schedule can be established. Field testing is needed under various conditions, and fifty test sites have been tentatively identified. The applicant will conduct research to determine the number of cooling towers in Tucson and what information presently is available to properly manage cooling towers.