Careful management of our water resources is critical to Tucson’s long-term sustainability. One Water is a nationally recognized approach to managing finite water resources for long-term resilience and reliability to meet both community and ecosystem needs. One Water places equal value on all water as integrated and viable sources for the community. For Tucson, our main water sources are surface water, groundwater, recycled water and stormwater.
WHY A ONE WATER PLAN
The One Water 2100 Plan reconfirms that Tucson has a range of valuable water resources that support our quality of life. A number of evolving factors will impact Tucson’s water resources over the next 80 years, including population growth, climate change, economic development, conservation practices, and water quality. We must consider all scenarios to ensure safe, reliable water for our community.
”TUCSON'S ONE WATER 2100 PLAN PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON HOW THE CITY CAN BEST MANAGE WATER RESOURCES UNDER CHANGING CONDITIONS.
The Plan, developed through community input, is a tool to help guide Tucson Water’s capital and financial planning, conservation practices and policy decisions. Using the One Water approach means considering important factors like environmental sustainability, social equity, and economic vitality.
”THE EXPANDED FOCUS WILL HELP MAKE THE REGION MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE WHILE ALSO ACTIVELY SUPPORTING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND VITALITY.
VISION 2100
Tucson had the vision to become one of the first communities in the country to reduce the use of drinking water for irrigation by implementing a reclaimed water system. The vision for the One Water approach will help us better integrate our water sources to achieve better water resilience, water equity, environmental stewardship and quality of life.
”A DIVERSIFIED WATER SUPPLY PORTFOLIO AND SIGNIFICANT GROUNDWATER SAVINGS MAKE TUCSON THE MOST WATER RESILIENT CITY IN THE DESERT SOUTHWEST.
We are prepared. The One Water 2100 Plan will make us stronger. Decades of proactive planning and policy have increased our water diversification, groundwater savings, and aquifer levels. Our drinking water comes from recovered Colorado River water delivered through the Central Arizona Project canal. This water is recharged in Avra Valley and recovered through wells.
”DUE TO CONSERVATION EFFORTS, WE SAVE A THIRD OF OUR COLORADO RIVER WATER ALLOTMENT EVERY YEAR, AND OUR ADDITIONAL ACCESS TO GROUNDWATER SUPPLIES WILL LAST FOR MANY DECADES.
OUTCOMES
Building on our region’s conservation successes and championing a broad understanding that water is a finite resource that must be protected, the goal of the One Water 2100 Plan is to foster a shared vision to provide a reliable source of the highest-quality water for our community through 2100.
Future Outcomes
- Reduce reliance on Colorado River
- Increase use of recycled water
- Continue to purify and store groundwater
- Expand rain and stormwater harvesting
- Develop onsite water recycling strategies
ONE WATER PLAN ELEMENTS
The One Water 2100 Plan is comprised critical elements to ensure the long-range viability and quality of our community’s water supply for the next 80 years.
Those elements include:
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A shared understanding of the One Water approach given Tucson’s unique water resources and history
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Identification of all potential water resources
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Ensuring high-quality water supplies
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Fostering regional cooperation
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Identifying efficiencies and conservation options
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Preparing for potential risks in the future
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Identifying capital improvement needs like infrastructure maintenance and water storage
WATER RESOURCES
Tucson was once the largest city solely dependent on groundwater. Now, Tucson Water manages a wider range of water resources including surface water delivered by the Central Arizona Project, reclaimed water for non-potable uses, as well as captured rain and stormwater.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
We expect water to flow when we turn the faucet on, but we need to invest in the water infrastructure that delivers it. The Plan identifies the short-term and long-term needs of our facilities and delivery systems to ensure proper stewardship so water will be there when we need it.
CONSERVATION
Tucson Water has led our community in a sustainable direction through efficient water consumption, providing education programs and rebates for water efficient fixtures. Today, our community has a strong conservation ethic, and the One Water 2100 Plan provides our community with new conservation strategies.
QUALITY OF LIFE
We all require a quality water supply for basic survival, but water means so much more to us. It enhances our lives by sustaining our landscapes and nourishing our gardens. It is the lakes and rivers where we swim, boat, and go fishing. Water supports our economy and provides for respite and relaxation. It is essential to us all.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
SETTING THE FOUNDATION
The One Water 2100 Plan helps us understand where we need to go and who we need as partners for success. Using available data to the greatest benefit and assessing what needs to be accomplished establishes a firm foundation to plan our water future. This foundation is central to creating a sustainable and high-quality water supply for the next eight decades.
ESTABLISHING DIRECTION
The One Water 2100 Plan creates a strong framework and direction. Created by community stakeholders, advocacy groups and public input, the Plan will be incorporated with Plan Tucson – the City’s general plan, a roadmap for Tucson’s future.
IMPLEMENTATION
The One Water 2100 Plan allows us to build on previous programs that have made our community water-wise. It also defines capital improvements and new initiatives to help preserve our most vital asset for the future. It will ensure that our infrastructure remains sound, our technology is current, and our resources are reliable. Tucsonans have identified water supply and demand changes as the areas of greatest concern. Community members have shown the greatest support for water supply strategies that maximize the beneficial use of our existing water supplies and provide opportunities to expand the amount of locally controlled supplies in Tucson’s supply portfolio. The community also supports demand strategies that expand conservation opportunities through innovation and technology, while promoting equitable solutions.
