Monsoons Are Coming. Where Will the Water Go? | Community

Across ArizonaAccording to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (AZDWR), the past year (April 2024 to March 2025) ranked as the “third hottest and fourth driest on record, expanding long-term drought conditions. The weak La Nina phase has ended with neutral conditions persisting through at least the summer. While odds are tilted towards dry conditions the next three months, there is a slight chance that monsoon rainfall will be greater than average over much of the state.”

Monsoon rains typically occur between June 15 and September 30. The heavy downpours run off into washes, streams and creeks. Only a small portion infiltrates into the ground; hydrologists believe it takes five inches of rain before we start to see some recharge in the aquifer. AZDWR states that “rainfall in an arid place is almost always a welcome event. But truth be told, summer storms just aren’t drought-killers. Fending off drought, especially the kind of long-running drought the Southwest has experienced, takes deep winter snowpack in the region’s mountainous watersheds. After more than two decades of dry conditions, it would take several consecutive years of deep snowpack to release from drought’s grip.”

Beneath SaddleBrookeDuring the March presentation called “In the Know on H2O“, sponsored by the SaddleBrooke Public Affairs Commission, we learned that our underground aquifer is part of a large watershed and storage system called Tucson Active Management Area (TAMA). Groundwater levels within TAMA declined sharply from 1940 until the early 2000s, when the Tucson metro area started importing Colorado River water. Depending on the severity of climate change and growing demand, water levels will recover somewhat but will remain below those recorded in 1940. The study found that our aquifer serving the SaddleBrooke community is one of four areas of concern where groundwater is expected to decline without mitigation efforts.

During monsoon season, some of the runoff traveling through washes and rivers seeps into the ground and eventually reaches the water table in the aquifer. Duration of the rainfall and the amount of flow are key factors in how much… as are stormwater retention systems that Robson may have used in developing the community. It is possible that a high percentage of runoff is retained within SaddleBrooke, but even the most casual observer knows that a lot of runoff (coming from impervious surfaces inside or outside of SaddleBrooke boundaries) flows through and out of the community.

Helping Mother NatureWhat can homeowners do to reduce groundwater demand and keep our aquifer as healthy as possible as long as possible?

• Capture It! For every inch of rain, a 1000-square-foot roof can shed 600 gallons of water. Refer to Architectural and Landscaping Committee (ALC) guidelines addressing rainwater harvesting system options for homes in both HOAs. Above-ground or underground storage tanks are filled with roof runoff, making water available for plants and other outdoor uses. ALC permits, along with regular system maintenance and adherence to Pinal County Guidelines, are required.
• Puddle It! When planting trees or shrubs, create a depression area around the perimeter to capture and absorb rainwater. Depending on the type of plant, you may also want to direct underground downspout runoff pipes to these areas rather than into the street. You might also use “splash blocks” under your downspouts to move water away from the house and into an open space in the yard, where it can puddle temporarily and seep back into the aquifer. Keep away from foundations and walls to prevent water damage.
• Plant It! Update residential landscaping by replacing thirsty, non-native plants with low water/low maintenance native trees and plants. Adjust or pause your drip irrigation during periods of frequent rain. (Some newer controllers have rain sensors to automate this process.) Fix any leaks and ensure no water is running to the street.
• Conserve It! In Arizona, pools and spas are responsible for approximately 16 percent of outdoor water use. If left uncovered, a typical 16-foot by 36-foot pool can evaporate up to 20,000 gallons annually. Inside the home, water from toilets, showers and other appliances is reclaimed and reused in our community. However, about 13 percent of indoor water use is lost through leaks in homeowner plumbing or water utility infrastructure. Visit the Arizona Department of Water Resources website (azwater.gov) for helpful articles on how you can save water every day.

The SaddleBrooke Public Affairs Commission and both ALCs continue to focus on water and other important issues that can affect the quality of life in our community. Watch for more communications, workshops and presentations for SaddleBrooke residents in the future.