Things to Consider About
Reclaimed Water Use
Reclaimed water is an important and growing part of our water supply. Because it is highly treated wastewater, its use has special requirements. There are several things to be aware of as you consider whether to convert your outdoor irrigation to reclaimed water. The information below is provided to assist you in deciding whether using reclaimed water is right for you.
Conservation Ethic: Using reclaimed water is a good way to save our high quality water supplies for drinking. Wastewater is the only water supply that will grow as the population of the region increases. Today about eight percent of Tucson Water’s total deliveries are reclaimed water. Our goal is to have eight percent of the total future water deliveries continue to be reclaimed water.
Irrigation System Upgrades: In order to use reclaimed water for irrigation, your irrigation system must be completely separate from the drinking water system. It must be designed so that there is no ponding of reclaimed water and reclaimed water does not overspray onto eating areas, sidewalks, or neighboring properties. All new irrigation pipe must be purple.
Backflow Prevention Assembly and Thermal Expansion Control Device: The Plumbing Code requires a backflow prevention assembly be installed on the potable water service to protect the drinking water supply in the event there is ever a cross connection between the reclaimed and drinking water systems. The installation of a backflow prevention assembly may necessitate the installation of a thermal control device. Both are the responsibility of the homeowner.
A permit is required to install the backflow prevention assembly. This permit is $87.00. The backflow prevention assembly must be inspected annually by a certified tester.
Price of Reclaimed Water: Reclaimed water costs less than Tucson Water charges for most potable water. For more information, see our Current Water Rate Schedules page.
Reclaimed Water Meter: In addition to the initial purchase price of the water meter, which varies by the size of the meter, you will also have a monthly service charge on the meter. The size of the meter determines the monthly service charge. Most single family homes have one ¾ inch meter.
Sign: A sign must be posted at the entry to every site where reclaimed water is in use. The sign for residential properties is small (9 in. x 12 in.) with an attractive design.
Economics: Some people find the savings from converting to reclaimed water will pay for the improvements required to use this water in a fairly short period of time. Others, who use a minimum amount of water for outdoor irrigation, may find the payback period too long to make a conversion feasible.
Pressure: Reclaimed water pressure may be different than the potable water pressure you currently have. It is the responsibility of the property owner to raise or lower the pressure if necessary.
