leave it better
Arizona White Mountains
Streamlining Sustainability
Home to a portion of the world’s largest stand of ponderosa pines, over 50 lakes and streams, and an abundance of wildlife, the White Mountains are one of Arizona’s greatest havens for natural beauty and outdoor recreation. Those who live here or have a chance to visit simply have to walk outside to see the natural source of their water, and just how important that water is to the ecosystems that we rely on and cherish.
Despite plentiful lakes and streams and a productive aquifer here in the White Mountains, growing water demand throughout Arizona has impacted watersheds across the state, sounding a call for collective action to protect and preserve our water resources for the good of our local communities and the state at large. Water conservation is one way to answer that call; it’s easy for everyone to play a part, and it’s effective at a collective level. Through mindful avoidance of water waste and efficient water usage in our homes and businesses, we reduce strain on the aquifer while maintaining our desired quality of daily life and creating a better future for the generations ahead of us.
EXPLORE OUR VIDEO GALLERY
To view more videos about the White Mountains: Leave It Better project visit our videos page.
White Mountains Make Waves
From the turn of the deuce of clubs for which Show Low earned its name, to the construction of Pinetop-Lakeside’s first dam on Rainbow Lake, communities throughout the White Mountains exist on a foundation of integrity, stewardship, and collaboration. Navajo County, the City of Show Low, and the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside are continuing to build upon these values by partnering with the American Ground Water Trust and Arizona Water Company on an Integrated Demand Management Program (IDMP) called Leave It Better, focused on expanding water conservation efforts throughout the area. Leave It Better partners worked together to host booths at the White Mountains Balloon Festival in June 2024 for the program’s soft launch, and the Run to the Pines Car Show in September 2024 for the hard launch.
Among the five partners of the Leave It Better IDMP, work is already being done to create a foundation of water conservation within the White Mountains region. This IDMP builds on that foundation by creating new conservation opportunities. The goal of Leave It Better is to make information and resources related to water conservation centrally accessible to residents, businesses, and visitors that live, work, and play in the White Mountains. The program launch includes the kick-off of its dedicated Facebook page, where people can find:
- Ongoing tips related to both indoor and outdoor water conservation
- Relevant resources such as incentives, rebates, or workshops
- Educational videos covering topics like how exactly water gets to homes and businesses in the White Mountains
This program will also serve as a hub for information on current conservation efforts and updates on what program partners and other municipal, state, or federal entities are doing to manage water in Arizona, whether it’s developing new water supplies, conserving water, or supporting the health of the watershed.
Two additional, exciting initiatives of the Leave It Better IDMP are collaboration with local schools to
deliver youth water education and providing water audits for commercial, industrial, and
institutional customers. These efforts ensure that today and tomorrow’s community leaders are
prepared to continue water–wise decision making well into the future.
Let’s work together to Leave It Better!
Arizona Water Company
American Groundwater Trust
Email: [email protected]
Website: agwt.org
Town of Pinetop - Lakeside
Navajo County
City of Show Low
