league of cities and towns august 18 - 21, 2015 ensuring a secure water future

League of Cities and TownsAugust 18 - 21, 2015

Ensuring a Secure Water Future

Tucson Water has planned for the future for decades

60s 70s 90s80s 2000s

Acquired groundwater

rights

Planned for Colorado

River Water/ initiated

conservation programs

Established Reclaimed

Water system

Expanded water

conservation programs

Planned for storage of Colorado

River Water

Planning for Our Water Future

Tucson’s Water Resources Groundwater Colorado River Water

Reclaimed Water

• Our water table is slowly recovering from years of “mining”

• Available for the future but not sustainable

Groundwater

• Buying 47 billion gallons each year

• Delivering 60% each year to customers

• Storing 40% each year for future use

• Local Wheeling

• Regional Firming

Colorado River Water

• Wastewater treated to irrigate nearly all golf courses, parks and schools in the Tucson area

• Some is also committed to the environment

Reclaimed Water

• Tucsonans have an excellent conservation ethic

• Tucson Water provides education, assistance and rebates

• Tucson Water’s system efficiency programs are helping to save water

Water Conservation & Stewardship

Despite Effective Planning Uncertainty Persists

Colorado River Water Reclaimed Water Groundwater

Not Sustainable

Not Locally Controlled

30% Unused and Lost

Potential future shortage

Ensuring Our Water Future: Purified Water

• Unused Reclaimed Water added to the drinking water supply

• Technology can create the highest quality water

• Sustainable – supply renews and grows