Since 2001, Tucson Water has been delivering a blend of recharged Colorado River water and groundwater from our Clearwater facilities. The Clearwater Blend now makes up about 50% of our drinking water supply.

By using this renewable supply, the utility has been able to turn off dozens of wells in the Tucson's urban core and minimize pumping from beneath the city. This has allowed nature to slowly replenish the groundwater beneath our community. As the picture below shows, groundwater levels have risen by more than 30 feet in central Tucson, and at least 5 feet under most of the city.

(click image to enlarge: will open PDF, 173 Kb, 40 in. x 30 in.)

One of Tucson Water's long term goals is to pump no more groundwater than nature replenishes. As we increase our use of the Clearwater blend, we'll come closer to balancing our groundwater levels - helping to protect our environment and preserving this precious water supply for the future.