Tucson Water

Tucson Water prioritized conservation over traditional sources of supply through residential and commercial financial incentives and free programs for income-qualified households. These comprehensive programs significantly lowered water consumption notwithstanding population growth and helped Tucson avoid costs of more than $155 million.

Project at a Glance

Utility Overview

Utility: Tucson Water
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Population served: 720,000
Service area: 227 square miles

Challenges

Declining water supply availability and reliability
Prolonged drought
Climate change
State-mandated conservation for groundwater

Solution

Comprehensive water efficiency rebate programs to prioritize conservation as a source of supply.

Costs and Funding Sources

Annual program budget: $3.5 million
- Conservation rebates and incentives budget: $1.4 million
- Education programs: $750,000
- Neighborhood-scale Stormwater Harvesting Program: $350,000
- Public relations and advertising: $30,000
Funding sources: Dedicated fee on water use