Tucson is 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 since 1984, nearly three decades. We deliver reclaimed water for irrigation to nearly 1,000 sites, including:

• 18 golf courses
• 50 parks
• 65 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). Producing and using reclaimed water for irrigation saves groundwater and Colorado River water for drinking. Annually, 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. Experts from around the world visit Tucson Water to learn more about how we recycle water and to study our reclaimed water system.

The links below offer more information. 

General Information

• Reclaimed Water Fast Facts
• Map of the Reclaimed Water System
• Who Uses Reclaimed Water?
• Reclaimed Water Quality
• Reclaimed Water Rates
• Information for Contractors, Landscapers, and Others Working on Reclaimed Water Systems
• Guidelines for Fire Departments
  • - Information for Working with Reclaimed Water
  • - Procedures for Disinfection of Pumper Trucks & Equipment
• Most Requested Information
• Reporting Reclaimed Water Discharges

Information for Customers

• Reclaimed Water Customer Newsletters
• Things to Consider About Using Reclaimed Water
• Customer Information Packet
• Reclaimed Water Basics for Residential Customers video
• Reclaimed Water Basics for Residential Customers brochure
• Reclaimed Site Preparation Checklist
• What You Should Know About  Backflow Prevention and Thermal Expansion Protection
• Cross Connection Control Specialist Zones & Contact Information
• Application for Use of Reclaimed Water
  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
  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
• Backflow Permit
  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
• Tucson Water - Approved Certified Testers 
  A prerequisite for Reclaimed Site Testers is to hold current backflow testing certification. Refer here to verify if your Reclaimed Site Tester is certified to test for your property's Annual Reclaimed Site Inspection.

Rules, Regulations, and Design Standards

• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Regulations for Reuse of Wastewater
• Tucson Code - Reclaimed Water Site Inspection & Testing Requirements
• Tucson Water Design Standard No. 8-14: Reclaimed Water System Design Standards
• Reclaimed Irrigation System Labeling, Backflow Prevention, Thermal Expansion, Site Inspection, and Dye Test Requirements
• Dye Test Preparation
• Dye Test Procedure Manual
• Reclaimed Water Signs
• Training Manual for Reclaimed Water Site Testers
• Appendices

Who do I call for more information?

Public Information / Conservation Office - (520) 791-4331
general information on reclaimed water

New Development Section - (520) 791-5164
information on availability of reclaimed water service and cost of connection

Backflow Prevention / Reclaimed Water Section - (520) 791-2650
information on backflow prevention, site preparation, and reclaimed water signs