Latest Testing Results

• Lead and Copper Monitoring: Tucson Water maintains full compliance with EPA Lead and Copper Rule regulations, with recent testing showing levels well below federal action thresholds. The utility is implementing new Lead and Copper Rule Revisions requirements effective October 2024.
• PFAS Monitoring: Following new EPA regulations in April 2024, Tucson Water has detected PFAS compounds in the regional aquifer and has taken more than two dozen wells offline since 2021 to ensure compliance with new federal standards.
• Compliance Status: Tucson’s water consistently meets all federal and state drinking water standards, maintaining compliance with EPA and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality regulations across all monitored parameters.

Water Sources

• Regional Aquifer: Primary source (approximately 65% of supply) from the Tucson Active Management Area groundwater basin, accessed through numerous production wells throughout the service area.
• Central Arizona Project: Secondary source (approximately 35% of supply) delivering Colorado River water through the CAP canal system, primarily used for aquifer recharge and storage through innovative underground banking.
• Aquifer Recharge: Comprehensive underground storage program utilizing infiltration basins in Avra Valley to store excess CAP water for future recovery, providing 5.5 years of emergency water storage capacity.

Advanced Treatment Technology

• Groundwater Treatment: Multiple wellhead treatment facilities utilizing granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, ion exchange, and advanced oxidation processes to remove contaminants including PFAS, arsenic, and other emerging contaminants.
• PFAS Removal Systems: State-of-the-art activated carbon and ion exchange treatment systems installed at affected wellheads, with ongoing federal funding support totaling $42 million for PFAS remediation efforts.
• Recharge and Recovery: Innovative indirect potable reuse system allowing natural filtration through soil and rock layers before extraction, providing additional treatment barrier and seasonal storage flexibility.

Infrastructure Modernization

• Distribution System Expansion: Ongoing construction of CAP delivery pipelines to suburban areas including Oro Valley, Marana, and Sahuarita to reduce groundwater dependence and improve system resilience.
• Smart Water Management: Implementation of advanced monitoring systems, automated meter infrastructure, and real-time quality monitoring throughout the distribution network to optimize efficiency and detect issues quickly.
• Future Treatment Capacity: Planning for advanced wastewater recycling facilities with federal funding support, including a proposed $86.7 million direct potable reuse plant scheduled for construction before 2032.

Customer Protection Initiatives

Tucson Water maintains one of the most comprehensive water conservation programs in the United States, helping customers reduce consumption through rebates, education, and innovative rate structures. The utility provides extensive resources including water quality reports, conservation assistance programs, and emergency response systems. Tucson’s leadership in water efficiency has positioned the community to better weather Colorado River shortages and climate challenges, with per capita water use dropping 37% since 1996. The utility’s proactive approach to emerging contaminants like PFAS, combined with substantial federal funding for treatment upgrades, demonstrates its commitment to protecting public health while ensuring long-term water security in one of America’s most water-challenged regions.