URGENT UPDATE: Tucson is on the brink of a water crisis, with experts warning that the city must take immediate action to harness its rainfall. Currently, Tucson relies on the Colorado River for roughly 80% of its water supply, which is dwindling rapidly. Lake Mead, the primary source for the Central Arizona Project (CAP), is in a Tier 1 shortage and is projected to reach record low levels by 2027, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior.
As this alarming shortage continues, CAP is forced to limit water allocations to Tucson, drastically reducing the city’s ability to replenish its groundwater reserves. Groundwater is essential for Tucson’s long-term water sustainability, especially as upstream sources become increasingly unreliable. Without adequate water from CAP, the city’s growth will slow, leading to potential water scarcity and forcing the community to scramble for alternatives.
Fortunately, experts highlight a promising solution: stormwater runoff collection. Tucson’s current infrastructure, dominated by impermeable surfaces like concrete, prevents effective water recharge. However, researchers from Arizona State University and the University of Arizona have found that Tucson receives ample rainfall annually—enough to meet the city’s water consumption needs and more. Yet, less than 2% of this rainwater is currently harvested for use.
Daoqin Tong and Courtney Crosson, along with PhD candidates from the University of Arizona, have emphasized that enhancing stormwater retention systems could significantly improve Tucson’s water management. By collecting runoff in ponds and using permeable surfaces, the city can filter and direct this water back into the aquifer, drastically reducing flooding and increasing groundwater levels.
To capitalize on these findings, it is crucial for Tucson to implement policies mandating stormwater retention infrastructure in all new developments. This strategy would not only diversify the city’s water supply but also bolster groundwater recharge rates, making Tucson less dependent on the uncertain CAP allocations. As the city’s sustainable water supply improves, Tucson can enhance its climate resilience and accommodate further growth.
Although initial construction costs may deter some developers, this policy would not require direct city spending. Instead, it would stabilize long-term living costs as water demand rises. Without proactive measures, Tucson risks facing severe challenges as CAP water continues to decline.
Community leaders and residents must recognize the urgency of addressing this water crisis. Tucson cannot grow sustainably while ignoring the pressing need for improved water management practices. Immediate policy action is essential to strengthen groundwater recharge, reduce impervious surfaces, and require stormwater retention systems in new developments.
As Tucson navigates this critical juncture, the time to act is now. The city’s future water security depends on it.
