Tucson's Water Sources

Tucson Water obtains most of its supply from groundwater pumped from aquifers in two major basins:

Primary Sources

1. Upper Santa Cruz Basin (~65% of supply): Recharged by Santa Cruz River surface flows and precipitation infiltration.
2. Avra Valley Basin (~35%): West of Tucson, recharged by precipitation and surface water infiltration.

Supplemental Surface Water

• C.C. Cragin Reservoir: Santa Cruz River water for drinking, irrigation, recreation
• Pantano Wash Recharge Facility: Captured stormwater treated and recharged to aquifer
• Newt Perry Reservoir: Reclaimed wastewater for non-potable uses (irrigation, industrial)

All water undergoes treatment to meet federal and state drinking water standards before distribution.