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 Tucson Continues Its Strong Tier 2 Measures for 2024
This winter’s record snowpack raised the level of Lake Mead, but Tucson will remain vigilant and continue Tier 2 drought response efforts. Each August, the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) releases its yearly monitoring study that determines the operating elevation – or shortage tier – for Lake Mead, the Colorado River’s largest reservoir. The BOR’s tier level is one of many factors that the Tucson Water Director and City Manager consider when making recommendations to Tucson’s Mayor and Council about our community’s water resource strategy.
Mayor and Council recently chose to build on the momentum of our previous drought responses to save more water and be more water-efficient – as individuals and a utility. Here are some of the drought responses Tucson Water will continue to implement in 2024:
- Expanding the rainwater harvesting rebate program and offering more resources for passive rainwater harvesting systems
- Banning ornamental turf in new developments
- Installing WaterSense fixtures in new developments
- Partnering with Water Use It Wisely for customer education and outreach
- Developing new videos on timely conservation topics
- Expanding low-income incentives for clothes washers and gray water harvesting
- Identifying and notifying residential consumers who are using relatively large amounts of water
- Distributing thousands of free Water Conservation Kits to our customers
- Signing new Colorado Water storage agreements with Scottsdale, and possibly Gilbert and Peoria
- Improving the water efficiency of City facilities
Tucson’s strategic approach to conservation, collaboration, and diversifying our water sources is making our desert home more sustainable! Our conservation programs have saved over 5 billion gallons to date. Learn more about how you can save water.
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 Behind the Scenes
It takes less than 2 minutes to watch and learn how to irrigate your landscape more efficiently and reduce water use! From grouping plants by watering zone and selecting emitters, this video offers great tips.
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Prep for Summer 2024: Plant a Tree in October
October is prime time to plant trees to be better established for summer 2024. As you noodle a planting plan, here are six issues to consider that drive tree benefits such as saving water, reducing energy costs, creating shade, and more!
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Decide the tree's goal: Do you want a tree for canopy shade, screening, wind and noise block, changing color, or security?
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Plant hardy desert-adapted trees: They thrive in desert heat, soil, and drought. Go to the city’s Million Trees partner, Tucson Clean & Beautiful, to purchase a low-cost tree, and find planting tips.
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Gauge sizes: Plant the appropriate-sized tree or shrub for the site based on its mature size. Use the AMWUA Plant Guide to research the characteristics of desert plants. Will the canopy or root system potentially impact your home or infrastructure?
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Consider sun and site orientation when planting: Plant a tree on the west, east, or south side of your home to help provide shade during the coming summer months.
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Before you dig, go to arizona811.com or call 1-800-STAKE-IT. They will schedule a locator to visit your dig site to mark and stake for underground utilities.
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Take advantage of Tucson Water’s rainwater and gray water harvesting incentives to nurture your new plant! Go to tucsonaz.gov/water/rebate for eligibility info. Before you install a system, you must complete an eligible workshop from a designated utility partner.
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“Why is the City of Tucson signing water agreements with Scottsdale, and possibly Peoria and Gilbert?”
Based on intergovernmental agreements, it’s a win-win water exchange program. These partners agree to deliver a portion of their CAP water allocation for storage in Tucson’s aquifer recharge facilities. In turn, Tucson agrees to divert a portion of its own CAP water to these partners during times of shortage. A simple exchange. We plump up our aquifer with water reserves; they increase resilience and have easy access to water supplies when needed.
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City of Tucson
Environmental Services
Free, Safe, & Secure Disposal of Old Meds
There are Dispose-a-Med boxes at five Tucson Police Department substations, open Mon-Fri, 8 am to 5 pm. Dispose of expired, unneeded, and unused prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, and vitamins. Proper disposal protects the environment, people, pets, and wildlife.
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Pima County
Wastewater Reclamation
Need assistance paying your sewer bill? We can help!
You may qualify for a 25%, 50%, or 75% reduction to your monthly sewer bill. To be eligible, you must be a residential sewer customer, have a sewer bill in your name, and meet income requirements. To learn more, call 520-791-5443 or click below.
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 Water Matters is a monthly newsletter brought to you by Tucson Water
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