TUCSON, AZ (August 12, 2025) -- The City of Tucson will receive 21,000 acre-feet of long-term water storage credits from the U.S. Department of the Interior, as administered by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), after a competitive bid process conducted in June 2025.
The BOR offered up to 30,000 acre-feet of stored effluent water for purchase within the Tucson Active Management Area. This water, recharged into the aquifer through managed recharge projects along the Santa Cruz River, is part of the BOR’s annual 28,200-acre-foot entitlement from regional wastewater facilities, held in trust under the Southern Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of 1982 for tribal nations.
The City of Tucson, under the direction of Mayor and Council, submitted a proposed bid package to acquire available water credits. The Mayor and Council’s direction to the City Manager was to acquire this water to create a new supply for economic growth opportunities, while protecting Tucson Water’s existing water portfolio for the long-term sustainability of the community. The BOR has since accepted the City’s proposal and will move forward with an agreement to transfer 21,000 acre-feet of groundwater credits to the City.
“This purchase agreement benefits residents of the City of Tucson and our whole region. These water resources, administered by the Secretary of the Interior, and the proceeds from the sale go to support water sustainability. Protecting our water supply is of paramount importance to me and my Council colleagues,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.
“This is a smart investment for Tucson,” said Tucson City Manager Tim Thomure.
“The water is already stored in our aquifer, meaning that the City of Tucson will avoid the added costs of delivery charges and any losses due to evaporation. By securing these credits, we’re gaining local control over a valuable resource that supports our long-term water reliability and future economic development.”
The City of Tucson and the BOR have long partnered on aquifer recharge efforts dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. This purchase strengthens the City’s long-term water portfolio and supports future economic development by ensuring access to reliable, locally stored water supplies. It also represents a partnership between the City and the Tohono O’odham Nation for the mutual benefit of our region.
Final terms and the formal transfer of credits will be completed in the coming months.