In order to promote more complete understanding of important water issues, and the methods used by Tucson Water to meet the water needs of our community, the utility conducts free guided public tours of several of its facilities.

Clearwater Recharge Basins

Visitors travel to the Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project (CAVSARP) where Colorado River water is recharged through eleven constructed basins to blend with the native groundwater below. Guests also visit the pumping station, hydropneumatic tanks and pipeline that delivers the water to our community.

Hayden-Udall Water Treatment Plant

Tour participants visit Tucson Water's primary water treatment facility, including the ozonation building, flocculation basins, filtration areas and chlorination facility. The plant also is the site of the utility's state-of-the-art Water Quality laboratory.

Reclaimed Water Treatment Plant

Tours guide you through the process of recycling wastewater for reuse as irrigation water for parks, schoolyards, golf courses and other facilities. Participants view the filtration, disinfection and pumping facilities involved in creating and distributing reclaimed water.

Tucson Airport Remediation Project (TARP)

This facility is designed to remove trichloroethylene (TCE) from an area of contaminated groundwater near the Tucson International Airport. Visitors learn about the air-stripping process used to remove this volatile compound from the contaminated groundwater.

Sweetwater Wetlands

This multi-purpose facility is designed to treat backwash water from our filtering system at the Reclaimed Treatment Plant. The wetlands provide an area for wildlife and riparian restoration within our desert area. Visitors learn about ecology and water resource management as they observe various migratory bird species. This facility is also designed for self-guided tours. Gates to the facility open approximately one hour before sunrise and close approximately one hour after sunset. A Sweetwater Wetlands Field Guide is also available.

Upcoming Tours Schedule

All of our tours are scheduled upon a request basis. A tour van leaves from various sites; however, seating is limited. To schedule a tour, please contact Joaquim Delgado at (520) 837-2183 or the Public Information Office at (520) 791-4331 for reservations and meeting sites.