Water is Tucson’s most precious natural resource. Today we are more fortunate than many southwestern cities because we have three sources of water: groundwater, Colorado River water, and recycled water.

Recycled water is an important part of our water supply today and for the future. Tucson Water uses some of its recycled water to produce reclaimed water, which is specially treated for applications such as irrigation, dust control, and industrial uses.

Tucson Water has been producing and delivering reclaimed water for more than 27 years. We deliver reclaimed water for irrigation to about 900 sites, including:
• 18 golf courses
• 39 parks
• 52 schools (including the University of Arizona and Pima Community College)
• more than 700 single family homes

Recycled water is a second renewable water resource (Colorado River is the other) and producing and using reclaimed water for irrigation saves groundwater and Colorado River water for drinking. Every year reclaimed customers save more than six billion gallons of drinking water; enough to serve 60,000 families for a year.

Tucson Water was one of the first water utilities in the nation to begin recycling water, treating it for irrigation and other non-drinking water uses. Water experts from around the world visit Tucson Water to learn more about how we recycle water and to study our reclaimed water system.

To learn more about Tucson's reclaimed water program including how to become a reclaimed water customer and put this recycled resource to use for yourself, check out the links below. 

General Information

• Reclaimed Water Fast Facts
• Map of the Reclaimed Water System (pdf, 1 page, 371 Kb)
• Who Uses Reclaimed Water?
• Reclaimed Water Quality
• Reclaimed Water Rates
• Information for Contractors, Landscapers, and Others Working on Reclaimed Water Systems (pdf, 1 page, 120 Kb)
• Guidelines for Fire Departments
  • - Information for Working with Reclaimed Water (pdf, 1 page, 118 Kb)
  • - Procedures for Disinfection of Pumper Trucks & Equipment (pdf, 1 page, 137 Kb)
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Reporting Reclaimed Water Discharges
• The Reclaimed Water Song

Information for Customers

• Reclaimed Water Customer Newsletters (Winter 2012 and previous issues)
• Things to Consider About Using Reclaimed Water
• Customer Information Packet
• Reclaimed Water Basics for Residential Customers (YouTube video)
• Reclaimed Water Basics for Residential Customers (pdf, 2 pages, 4.6 Mb)
• Reclaimed Site Preparation Checklist (pdf, 1 page, 186 Kb)
• What You Should Know About  Backflow Prevention and Thermal Expansion Protection
• Cross Connection Control Specialist Zones & Contact Information (pdf, 1 page, 814 Kb)
• Application for Use of Reclaimed Water (pdf, 1 page, 26 Kb)
  You may print this application and complete it at home; however, you must bring it to Tucson Water, 310 W. Alameda, for processing. No mail, fax, or e-mail applications will be accepted.
• Reclaimed Water User Agreement (pdf, 3 pages, 122 Kb)
  You may print this agreement and complete it at home or pick up a copy at Tucson Water's New Services counter at 310 W. Alameda. For more information about applying for Reclaimed Water service, call (520) 791-5164.
• Site Plan (pdf, 2 pages, 43 Kb)
• Backflow Permit (pdf, 1 page, 68 Kb)
  You may print this sample permit and complete it at home; however, you must complete an original permit at Tucson Water, 310 W. Alameda. No mail, fax, or e-mail permits will be accepted. For additional information, visit our Backflow Prevention page.
• Drought Preparedness and Response Plan

Rules, Regulations, and Design Standards

• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Regulations for Reuse of Wastewater (6.17 Mb pdf; 19 pages)
• Tucson Code - Reclaimed Water Site Inspection & Testing Requirements (59 Kb pdf; 14 pages)
• Tucson Water Design Standard No. 8-14: Reclaimed Water System Design Standards (69 Kb pdf)
• Reclaimed Irrigation System Labeling, Backflow Prevention, Thermal Expansion, Site Inspection, and Dye Test Requirements (224 Kb pdf)
• Dye Test Preparation (163 Kb pdf; 2 pages, 8-1/2 in. x 11 in.)
• Dye Test Procedure Manual (608 Kb pdf; 12 pages, 5-1/2 in. x 8-1/2 in.)
• Reclaimed Water Signs
• A Training Manual for Reclaimed Water Site Testers
  • - Chapters 1-2 (2.78 Mb pdf; 30 pages, 8-1/2 in. x 11 in.)
  • - Chapters 3-6 (2.24 Mb pdf; 20 pages, 8-1/2 in. x 11 in.)
  • - Appendices (3.91 Mb pdf; 46 pages, 8-1/2 in. x 11 in.)

Who do I call for more information?