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This story was created by #ThisIsÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and underwritten by , find water andÌý in the this month. Thank you for supporting the local organizations that support us!

Finding water in desert places is a downright miracle.Ìý

Just ask anyone not from here, who can't believe that green things actually live in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥.Ìý

But we know better. We know that rivers do flow in our desert and lush oases are more than a mirage.Ìý

Water here is precious, absolutely, but it's also present — you just have to know where to look.Ìý

And that's where we come in.Ìý

Santa Cruz River

This summer, ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Water released recycled water into the dry Santa Cruz River, just north of . The river now flows north past "A" Mountain and toward downtown. Conveniently, a stretch of the Loop runs alongside the river, so you can take a bike ride and marvel at the wonder that is a flowing river in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. If you live more on the northwest side, there is also a flowing stretch of the river — again, thanks to recycled water — near Ina and Cortaro roads. Go to to see it.Ìý

Go for more information.Ìý

Sabino CanyonÌý

Sabino Canyon does not disappoint. Take a hike to the Sabino Dam for a flowing creek, pools to play in and gloriously green shade trees. Stop at the visitor's center, , to get a map, and then take Bear Canyon Trail east until you hit a paved road. Follow that north to get to get to the creek. We particularly love the Sabino Dam Trail on the east side of the dam. That's a 0.3-mile trail that follows the creek north, through tall grasses and past towering trees. Make sure to take plenty of drinking water. A day pass to the Sabino Canyon Recreation Area costs $5.Ìý

Go for more information.Ìý

Silverbell Lake

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Head to Silverbell Lake at for a stroll around the water. You can't swim here, but you can fish or take boats like canoes onto the water. The lake is 13 acres and has a smaller lake attached for model boats. The park at also has a dog park and area for flying model airplanes.Ìý

Go for more information.

Parker Canyon Lake

Spend a day on the lake swimming, fishing and boating. The lake at in Elgin is about 80 miles away from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and 20 degrees cooler. It's absolutely lovely. You can rent kayaks, pedal boats, stand-up paddle boards and fishing gear. Plus, it's free to spend the day here.Ìý

Go for more information.Ìý

Romero Pools

The moderate hike to and from Romero Pools is about 6 miles and so worth it. You are rewarded for your efforts with sweeping views of Oro Valley and a series of cool pools at the end of your hike. Seasonally, you'll encounter water almost immediately on your hike as you cross the Sutherland Wash. Take Oracle Road north to get to Catalina State Park. Day-uses fees are $7 per car or $3 per person for walkers or bicyclists.Ìý

Go for more information.Ìý

Find water in the desert to win prizes from ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Water

¹ó¾±²Ô»å¾±²Ô²µÌýÌýmight seem like a challenge, but it’s all around us! Search it out in theÌýÌýand be entered to win one of three $50 Visa Gift Cards or a set of limited edition water-themed vinyl stickers by local artistÌý!

, grab your smartphone, fill up your water bottleÌý(pro tip — ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Tap Water is one of the categories so snap a quick pic for your first entry!)Ìýand head out to explore. When you find the items in the hunt (ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Tap Water, Pete the Beak,ÌýRainwater Harvesting Demonstration Sites, Kino Environmental Restoration Project, , Splash Pads, Sweetwater Wetlands, and surprise bonus rounds) take a picture and post it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtagÌý#520H2OÌýbefore Oct. 31, 2019. You can also email your images toÌýPICO@tucsonaz.govÌý— use the hashtagÌý#520H2OÌýas the subject line. Find more information about the items in the hunt, rules, and guidelinesÌý.