Turn a dead lawn strip into a desert planting bed at an invited South Phoenix home

Struggling, half-dead lawns in South Phoenix drink expensive water and give back nothing — no shade, no habitat, no beauty. Converting a front strip to a mulched desert bed with native plants cuts the water bill and puts pollinator habitat on a block that has almost none. Standard: EPA WaterSense xeriscape guidance; Arizona Municipal Water Users Association landscape conversion; SDG 6 Clean Water. Proof: Before/after bed photos + plant count with date/GPS Method (EPA WaterSense xeriscape guidance; Arizona Municipal Water Users Association landscape conversion; SDG 6 Clean Water.): 1. Confirm the invitation and mark the strip to convert with the occupant. 2. Clear dead turf and weeds by hand and lightly shape the bed to hold rainwater. 3. Plant native low-water plants such as brittlebush, penstemon, and desert marigold. 4. Spread a thick layer of rock or wood mulch and water each plant in. 5. Photograph before and after and record plant count with date and GPS. Done when: Before/after bed photos + plant count with date/GPS

Where

Invited home front strip near 19th Ave & Baseline Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85041

Pay

$220 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Before/after bed photos + plant count with date/GPS

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

entry

Open until

2026-09-02

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 45–90 minutes. Method of record: EPA WaterSense fixture flow-rate + leak audit

Bring

• flow-rate measurement bag + timer
• toilet dye tablets
• moisture meter
• GPS / address
• camera
• tablet / data sheet

Steps

1. 1. Confirm the address; get a staff escort; photograph each fixture group.
2. 2. Measure flow rate at each faucet/shower with the bag-and-timer method; record gallons per minute (gpm).
3. 3. Test each toilet for leaks with a dye tablet (wait 10 min, check for color in the bowl); record flush volume.
4. 4. Inspect fixtures, meters, and irrigation for visible leaks/drips; note each.
5. 5. Read the water meter with all fixtures off; note any movement (indicates a hidden leak).
6. 6. Rank WaterSense fixture upgrades + leak repairs by estimated water/cost savings.
7. 7. Record flow rates, leak results, meter check, ranked measures, and photos into the proof record; sign.

If it does not match the plan

• Meter moving with all fixtures off AND active water damage (wet drywall, ceiling stain, pooling near electrical) -> STOP: possible electrical exposure; keep clear, route to a licensed plumber (and electrician if water contacts wiring). The agent documents, never opens walls.
• Suspected cross-connection / backflow risk (hose-bib, irrigation, boiler makeup) -> flag for a licensed plumber backflow test; potable-water contamination is a health hazard — do not test-operate the connection.
• Toilet dye migrates into the bowl -> flag a leaking flapper/valve for repair.
• Meter moves with all fixtures off -> flag a hidden leak for investigation.
• Faucet > 2.2 gpm or showerhead > 2.0 gpm -> recommend a WaterSense upgrade.
• No electrical/gas work; documentation only — flag suspected pipe damage, do not disassemble.

What counts as done

• Flow rate (gpm) recorded per fixture
• Toilet leak result + flush volume recorded per toilet
• Meter-with-all-off check recorded
• Ranked upgrade/repair measures + photos + address confirm

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.