Tucson Water has resurrected the role of the Zanjero, the community water manager of the “old” Old Pueblo, to help Tucsonans manage the water use in their homes. The Zanjero Program offers residential customers with high historic water use an opportunity to have a free individualized water-use survey done at their homes. The program is designed to help customers reduce water waste and lower their water bills. Here is a glimpse of the steps the Zanjero will take to identify water savings.

Beginning the Survey

An inventory will be taken of all fixtures, such as the dishwasher, clothes washer, water treatment condition systems, and cooler. The water meter will be located and the volume recorded. The resident will be taught how to read the meter and use it to help detect leaks.

1. Record household information.
2. Inventory fixtures and record:
   • dishwasher
   • clothes washer
   • garbage disposal
   • air conditioner
   • bottled water
   • graywater
   • water softener
   • cooler
   • hot water recirculator
   • carbon or reverse osmosis water filter
3. Locate meter, record information on audit form, and teach resident how to read meter.

The Indoor Survey

Next, bathrooms and the kitchen and utility room will be inspected for leaks. The flow rate of the toilet, faucets, and showerheads will be measured. Showerheads and aerators will be replaced free of charge if needed. Leaking toilet flapper valves will also be replaced.

1. Inspect bathrooms.
   • Drop a dye tablet into toilet tank to test for leaks.
   • Estimate gallons per flush of toilet and record.
   • Measure flow rates of showers and faucets and record.
   • Observe for leaks and record.
2. Inspect kitchen/utility room.
   • Measure flow rate(s) of faucet(s) and record.
   • Observe for leaks and record.
3. Conclude interior inspection.
   • Return to bathroom and observe for toilet leaks; record information.
   • Review and discuss interior inspection results with homeowner.
   • Replace showerhead(s) and aerator(s) as appropriate.

The Outdoor Survey

An inventory will be taken of features such as pools, misting systems, evaporative cooler, and greenhouses. An assessment of the landscape and an evaluation of any lawn areas will include measuring the flow rate of irrigated areas, checking pressure, and reading the meter.

1. Review General Characteristics with customer. Inventory and record:
   • pool
   • misting system
   • pets/animals
   • evaporative cooler
   • spa
   • fountain/pond
   • greenhouse
   • water treatment/softener
2. Inspect front/back yards.
   • Provide assessment of landscape type:
     • planting density
     • high/medium/low water use
   • Measure landscaped areas and record:
     • prepare sketch map of site
   • Assess irrigation methods and record.
   • Conduct flow test for each valve/station and record.
   • Conduct visual inspection for leaks, breaks, missing plants, runoff, etc., and record.
   • Evaluate lawn area(s) and record:
     • soil probe
     • rooting depth
     • soil type
     • measure flow rate for turfed areas
       • check pressure
       • flag sprinkler heads
       • conduct visual inspection
     • set up cups (if visual inspection OK)
     • run spray irrigation system
     • collect cup data
   • Record meter reading.

Concluding the Survey

The auditor will go over the survey results with the customer, suggest steps they can take, and leave a conservation information Packet.

1. Review landscape audit findings with homeowner.
   • Discuss irrigation scheduling theory.
   • Review irrigation system deficiencies.
2. Complete water audit review checklist.
3. Leave printed materials/information packet.
4. Conclude meeting with customer: record time out on form.

Scheduling an Appointment

Conservation surveys are available to residential Tucson Water customers.

You must be present during the two-hour survey.

To schedule an appointment, call the Tucson Water Customer Service Office at (520) 791-3242.