Can Parks Inhibit Outdoor Water Use?

Can the irrigation of common spaces, such as public parks, act as a substitute for outdoor water use on private residential lots? This study investigates the effect of proximity to public parks on the outdoor water use of single family homes in the Tucson metropolitan area during the spring of 2007. We found that proximity to a park was associated with a small but highly significant reduction in outdoor water use. When these reductions are aggregated, they can represent sizable water savings. We conclude that residential outdoor water use behavior is sensitive to the local environment and that strategic siting and design of parks can play a role in water conservation policy.