Tucson is known for its arid and drought-prone climate, which makes water conservation a top priority for residents and local authorities. In fact, our city has been an outstanding example of water conservation. Tucson encourages water conservation through its incentives for urban rainwater harvesting. By harvesting rainwater, Tucson residents can reduce their dependence on municipal water supplies, save money on their water bills, and contribute to the overall sustainability of the community.

What is rainwater harvesting?

Rainwater harvesting is the practice of collecting and storing rainwater for later use. In Tucson, this is typically done by installing rain barrels or cisterns that can capture and store rainwater from rooftops. The collected rainwater can then be used for watering plants, flushing toilets, or even as a source of drinking water if properly filtered.

Rainwater harvesting rebates & incentives.

The city of Tucson encourages rainwater harvesting through its rebate programs. The Tucson Water Rainwater Harvesting Rebate will reimburse up to $2,000 for residential rainwater-harvesting systems. Additionally, the Tucson Water Greywater Harvesting Rebate provides a reimbursement of up to $1,000 for residential greywater systems. Greywater is wastewater generated from sources such as sinks, showers, and washing machines and can be used for irrigation, reducing the amount of freshwater needed for landscaping.

Another rebate program available to Tucson residents is the Metro Water Rain and Greywater Rebate. This program offers a reimbursement of $200 for rainwater or greywater systems. To qualify for this rebate, the system must be installed on a residential home and be connected to a non-potable water supply such as a rain barrel, cistern, or greywater system.

In addition to these rebate programs, Tucson also offers resources and information to residents interested in rainwater harvesting. The city provides workshops and classes on rainwater harvesting and offers a variety of resources and guides on its website.

Rainwater harvesting is an integral part of water conservation in Tucson. By providing incentives and resources, the city is taking a proactive approach to managing its water resources and ensuring the sustainability of the community. Whether through greywater systems or rainwater harvesting, Tucson residents can play an active role in conserving water and reducing their environmental impact.