Tucson Water has a popular water conservation program to help residential customers manage their water use: the Zanjero Program. It is a free service that offers customers an individualized survey of water use in their home, and provides them with the tools and information they need to lower their water use and water bills.

In the 1800s, water users in the Old Pueblo met each year to elect a Zanjero (Zahn-HAIR-oh), or water manager, to make sure water users irrigated their fields according to the community-developed schedule, and to prevent water waste. The Zanjero also made sure the water-carrying acequias (ah-seh-kee-ahs), or canals, were properly constructed and maintained so that life-giving water could flow to people's homes and farms. When water was scarce, the Zanjero had the authority to control water use for the benefit of the entire community.

Tucson Water Zanjeros have been given extensive training in indoor and outdoor water conservation and a wide variety of related water issues. Each team member visits up to three residences a day, checking for leaks, measuring the flow rates of showerheads and faucets, looking for special water uses such as spas, pools, or misting systems, and analyzing the efficiency of the irrigation system. If appropriate, new low-flow fixtures, faucet aerators, or other water-saving devices are installed. The resident receives the results of the analysis, along with advice or information which will help decrease their water use and their water bills.

For more information, call (520) 791-3242.

Save water and money with free Zanjero tips (Arizona Daily Star article 9/18/11)

Residential Water Use Analysis