 Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project
Partners Help Tucson Implement the One Water 2100 Plan
In a city where water is life, the One Water 2100 Plan represents Tucson's bold vision for a sustainable and resilient future.
Approved by Mayor and City Council in the fall of 2023, the plan emerged from extensive community involvement and reflects Tucson Water's commitment to proactive water management to achieve water resilience, equity, stewardship of the Sonoran Desert, and to champion quality of life for all Tucsonans. It guides the utility’s policies, programs, and investments for the future.
By providing a clear set of community-supported strategies, One Water 2100 has helped Tucson secure assistance from federal, state, and local partners to put the plan into action. In the past three years, Tucson Water has obtained over $200 million in support through federal agreements, grants, forgivable or low-interest loans, and other sources. These investments help fulfill the vision of One Water 2100, improving our community’s critical water infrastructure while reducing the impact on Tucson Water’s ratepayers.
Here are examples of key strategies from One Water 2100, projects underway that help implement these strategies, and how partners provide support.
Surface Water Management Strategy: By maximizing the benefits of Colorado River water and storing excess in our facilities, Tucson Water can increase local groundwater resources.
Project: Upgrades to replace aging infrastructure at Tucson Water's Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project—a primary delivery point for our Colorado River water—are underway and will allow more water to be delivered in the future. This $8 million project is being implemented using funds from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s (USBOR) System Conservation Implementation Agreement (SCIA), in which USBOR compensates Tucson for leaving a portion of its annual Colorado River allocation in Lake Mead.
Recycled Water Strategy: Expanding recycled water use diversifies Tucson's water portfolio, reduces demand for other water sources, and promotes sustainability.
Project: Expansion of the Shirley C. Scott Southeast Houghton Area Recharge Project increases storage capacity for recycled water. This $4 million project is funded by a grant from the Arizona Water Infrastructure Authority (WIFA), SCIA funds, and a federal budget appropriation.
Groundwater Protection: Partnering with regional organizations, Tucson Water focuses on protecting aquifers from contamination and accelerating cleanup efforts to restore our local groundwater supply.
Project: Construction of a treatment plant at the Tucson Airport Remediation Project (TARP) on Tucson’s south side will remove PFAS from groundwater. This project is underway with $24.9 million from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
Stormwater Projects: Stormwater management projects capture and recharge stormwater, mitigating flood risks and enhancing local water supplies.
Project: The El Vado Stormwater Park Project, completed in 2023, added more than 400,000 gallons of stormwater harvesting capacity to reduce local flooding and sustainably support a 136,000-square-foot native vegetation habitat. This project was constructed by Pima County Regional Flood Control District for $1.1 million and is maintained jointly by the District and the City of Tucson’s Storm to Shade program.
Demand Management: Having the flexibility to adapt as conditions change while ensuring safe, reliable water for all requires demand management strategies focused on expanding the success of Tucson Water's conservation program.
Projects: With the support of more than $2 million in grants from WIFA, Tucson Water has launched a rebate for replacing turf grass with desert-friendly landscaping and is replacing old, water-inefficient fixtures and appliances in hundreds of apartments in underserved parts of the community.
The One Water 2100 Plan is more than a policy document; it is a commitment to the future of Tucson. Tucson Water thanks our partners in the region, the nation, and most importantly our community. Together, we are ensuring that Tucson thrives in harmony with its precious water resources.
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