From SRP....

Did you know Arizona's forests provide the majority of the surface water for Valley cities?  Water from snowmelt and runoff travels to the Salt and Verde rivers' reservoirs and into SRP's canal system.  It is then delivered to city treatment plants, which provide water to homes and businesses.

Healthy forests are important to maintaining our water supply, yet many of Arizona's forests are unhealthy and overgrown.  This makes them susceptible to wildfires, which affect both the quality of the water you drink and how much is available. Through support of forest restoration efforts, SRP is helping protect our water supply from the harmful effects of wildfires.  You can help, too!  

To learn more, visit srpnet.com/forest.

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Scoop the Poop!

Those of us with a furry best friend can truly appreciate the many joys of having a family pet.  Even so, one of the most unpleasant - albeit important - responsibilities of pet ownership involves picking up pet waste.

Waste left on playing fields, parks, trails, and even your own yard is both messy and unsanitary.  Children, adults and other pets can be exposed to, and further spread, disease or bacteria that may be lingering.  Peoria City Code notes it is unlawful to keep any animal in such condition that creates an offensive, disagreeable, or noxious odor; and also states pet waste in public parks and trails must be immediately and properly disposed.

Thankfully, there are resources to help with the removal of pet waste.  Within public parks, keep an eye out for the green doggy bag dispensers.  These stands contain plastic bags for owners to scoop up the waste and dispose of it in trash receptacles.

Picking up your pet's waste isn't just a simple courtesy for those walking behind you: it's the law.  Remember to do your part as a responsible pet owner and help keep your community clean and disease-free.

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Don't be afraid to ask for something, especially help or guidance. Most people have a hard time asking for what they want, as if asking is a selfish act. In fact, it's often the opposite! Asking for advice, help, or even directions offers others a chance to give. And the selfless act of giving can make anyone feel great. Think of asking as an opportunity for you to help someone else feel good.

Cruising the Panama Canal

One of the largest and most difficult engineering projects ever undertaken celebrates its 100th anniversary this year: the Panama Canal. Created as a shortcut for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, more than 12,000 vessels now pass through this 48-mile-long canal annually.

One of the most intriguing aspects of cruising the Panama Canal is standing on deck, witnessing the intricate system of locks - compartments with entrance and exit gates.  The locks function as water lifts, raising ships from sea level up 85 feet to the level of Gatun Lake.  Ships then sail the channel through the Continental Divide.

Along this route, there are plenty of ports of call to enjoy.  Willemstad, the capital city of Curacao is a charming port of high-end retailers, restaurants, and nightlife spots with vivid, sherbet-colored buildings showcasing Dutch colonial architecture.

On Columbia's Caribbean coast is Cartagena, a walled city, known for its ancient forts, churches and palaces, white sand beaches, and world-class snorkeling and scuba-diving reefs.  And Puerto Limon lies in the Costa Rican rain forest, providing opportunities to connect with nature on a tropical kayak adventure, while ziplining above the jungle canopy, or with a visit to a sloth sanctuary.

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Travel Tips by Numbers

From family road trips to cross-continental treks, no two vacations are quite the same.  In many cases, the number of people in your party will determine how you go about planning. Below are some tips specifically tailored to the number of travelers in your party.

The Solo Traveler

Double-occupancy dilemma.  Consider tours, cruises, and hotels that offer roommate pairing as an option to eliminate single-supplement rates.

Stay safe.  Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member before you depart, and check in with them via phone or email.

The Pair

Share the load.  Eliminate duplicate items whenever possible - one camera, one phone charger, one laptop, one first-aid kit -- to save space in your luggage.

Agree to disagree.  While planning an itinerary around common interests is ideal, be considerate of each other's likes and dislikes, budget, and even dietary restrictions.  Plan for compromise as well as alone time, and discuss both in advance.

The Family (3 to 5)

Family Fun.  Traveling to new places provides firsthand learning opportunities for children - teach them to say hello and thank you in the local language, take in some of the areas's history, and opt for cuisine you won't find at home.

Don't be afraid to split up.  With proper adult supervision, dividing time can simultaneously accommodate interests of all travelers.  For example, one might be able to take a surf lesson while the other builds sand castles.

The Small Group (6 to 10)

Make reservations.  When traveling with a group, dining and attraction reservations are a must.  Choose restaurants that can accommodate your party and look for group discounts on activities.

Have your own must-do or must-see.  Strike out on your own or within a smaller subgroup to ensure you're able to check some specifics off your own bucket list.

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Bundle Up

5 Advantages to combining your auto, home, and life insurance policies

It's easy to count your savings when you bundle your phone with your cable and Internet service or when you bundle your burger with fries and a drink.  Did you know the same holds true for bundling your auto, home, and life insurance?  Here are five important reasons to bundle.

1.  Savings.  Insurance companies are often able to give better deals when customers sign up for more than one type of insurance, such as auto, home, and life.  And the more policies you add, the more you save.

2.  Avoid the gap.  By bundling your insurance through the same company, your agent can help identify redundancies or gaps in your coverage.  This could be especially useful in situations such as a newlywed couple trying to merge under one provider or a widower who needs to reduce his coverage.

3.  One deductible.  Some carriers allow you to pay just one deductible (the higher of the two) if more than one item is damaged during the same event.  An example would be if your home and car were both damaged  by a monsoon.

4.  Streamlined process.  Working with one carrier helps streamline the management of your account for payments, claims, and changes.  While you may still find yourself paying separately for certain policies, most carriers try to make it as convenient as possible, even offering online or automatic payment options.

5.  More discounts.  Before signing on the dotted line, don't forget to ask your agent if there are any other discounts you might qualify for.  You never know!

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5 Road-Trip Survival Tips

Before you hit the open road, try these simple tips to help make your drive a smooth one.

1.  Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.  If you're unsure whether your maintenance is up-to-date, schedule an appointment before departing.

2.  Map your route in advance.  Be prepared for busy roads, and allow time for delays.  If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.

3.  Keep your cellphone battery charged, in case of emergency.  Also have a charger with you, as well as numbers of emergency contacts, friends, and family saved in your phone.

4.  Track the weather.  Stay informed of changing conditions along your route, and plan accordingly.

5.  Pack an emergency kit.  Include a flashlight, extra batteries, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and extra water.

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