In the heart of the desert, where every drop of water matters, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport uses water carefully and efficiently.
As a leader in water conservation and one of the busiest airports in the country, Phoenix Sky Harbor uses less than half the national average amount of water per passenger, making it one of the most progressive airports in the United States for water use per passenger served.
Phoenix Sky Harbor’s water savings efforts also support lower emissions and help make the airport stronger and more resilient.
The airport continues to make strong improvements in water efficiency.
- More than 11 acres of turf have been replaced with drought‑tolerant desert landscape plants that save millions of gallons of water each year.
- Smart tools help staff track water use and find leaks.
- Irrigation systems measure soil moisture and water plants only when needed.
- Cooling towers use technology that lowers water use and reduces chemical needs.
- Inside the terminals, low‑flow fixtures that use 20% less water than standard fixtures help reduce water use even more.
Drainage improvements and stormwater management also play an important role in the airport’s water conservation efforts and help mitigate flooding risks to keep facilities and travelers safe during extreme weather events.
Colorful watercolor posters featuring Arizona landscape scenes, created to support the citywide water conservation education campaign, are displayed throughout the terminals and help create a bright and welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
From conserving water in the desert environment to reducing emissions and strengthening infrastructure, Phoenix Sky Harbor is creating a more sustainable and resilient airport system that serves passengers, protects resources and supports the community for generations to come.
Learn more about Phoenix Sky Harbor’s water conservation program at skyharbor.com/about-phx/sustainability/water.