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September 26, 2024
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Pima County, AZ — (September 26, 2024) — Sonoran Institute and partners are pleased to announce the release of the latest Living River report, highlighting a decade of transformative environmental progress along the Santa Cruz River in Pima County. This publication celebrates ten years of clean effluent releases into the river, showcasing the remarkable achievements and ongoing efforts by Pima County and the City of Tucson to restore and enhance this vital waterway.
Ten years ago, the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) completed a significant overhaul of its wastewater reclamation system, ensuring the consistent production of high-quality effluent. Coupled with the Regional Flood Control District’s (RFCD) multi-objective river management strategy, these efforts have fostered a vibrant and flourishing riparian corridor along the Santa Cruz River. This milestone reflects a commitment to improving water quality, managing the river effectively, and enhancing community and recreational opportunities.
The report also highlights upcoming projects, including redeveloping the Roger Road Wastewater Reclamation Facility site into the new Agua Nueva Park and constructing a pedestrian bridge to enhance connectivity along The Loop, which saw over 195,000 visitors in 2023.
The Santa Cruz River’s restoration has created a dynamic environment that supports diverse wildlife, including bobcats and native fish species and has become a vital recreational asset for the community. The Living River report underscores the importance of continued stewardship and innovative management to preserve and enhance this crucial resource.
Key Achievements:
  • Clean Water Initiatives: Ongoing upgrades to the wastewater treatment process have resulted in a dramatic reduction in ammonia levels, from an average of 13 mg/L in 2012 to just 1 mg/L in 2023, meeting environmental standards and benefiting aquatic life.
  • Environmental Restoration: This past year, the Santa Cruz River region has seen the release of native Gila chub fish species into Canoa Pond and the reintroduction of endangered wetland plants like the Arizona eryngo at Sweetwater Wetlands and Canoa Pond.
  • Community Engagement: 27 river cleanups have been completed, removing 14 tons of trash and improving the river's aesthetic and ecological value.
  • Recognition and Funding: The river has garnered national attention, ranking #4 on “America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2024” and Pima County has received an EPA Cleanup Grant for the decommissioned Roger Road facility.

Eric Shepp, Director of Pima County Regional Flood Control District, commented, “Our decade of clean water releases has rejuvenated the Santa Cruz River, demonstrating our commitment to environmental and community well-being. As we celebrate these achievements, we remain focused on furthering our efforts and engaging the community in preserving this vital resource.”

Jackson Jenkins, Director of Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, added, “The successful upgrades to our wastewater reclamation system have been instrumental in improving the river’s water quality. We look forward to building on this progress and exploring new ways to enhance our facilities and their benefits to the river.”

John P. Kmiec, MPA, Director of Tucson Water, emphasized, “The restored perennial flow of the Santa Cruz River through the Santa Cruz Heritage Project is a testament to the dedication of our community and partners. We envision a future where the river continues to thrive, supporting biodiversity and offering educational and recreational opportunities.”

Luke Cole, PhD, Director of the Santa Cruz River program at Sonoran Institute shared, “This report marks a decade of transformative progress on the Santa Cruz River in Pima County, celebrating significant improvements in water quality, habitat restoration, and community engagement. It reflects our shared dedication to this living river.”

For more details on the latest Living River reports, please visit:

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