If you’re thinking about moving to Tucson and wondering whether there’s enough water in the desert, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear from out-of-towners — and it’s a fair one.
The good news? Tucson is one of the most water-secure cities in the Southwest, with decades of smart planning, strong reserves, and a nationally recognized conservation culture. Even better, local real estate expert Tony Ray Baker is here to help you navigate everything from sustainable neighborhoods to water-efficient homes.
This article walks you through why Tucson’s water future is in good hands — and how expert REALTOR® Tony Ray Baker can help you live confidently, comfortably, and consciously in the desert.
Tucson’s Water System: A City That Plans Ahead
Tucson Water is a municipally operated utility overseen by the City of Tucson. It serves over 722,000 people and manages more than 4,600 miles of pipelines, 206 wells, and 60 storage facilities (https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water). The utility has embraced long-term strategic planning through its One Water 2100 Plan, which treats all water sources — surface, groundwater, reclaimed, and stormwater — as a unified portfolio (https://tucsononewater.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Tucson-Water-One-Water-2100-Plan_Spreads_Web-Version.pdf).
Tucson isn’t reacting to water shortages. It’s been preparing for decades.
And when you work with Tony Ray, you’re not just getting a realtor. You’re gaining a local partner with green designations and deep knowledge of how these systems impact communities and homes across the city.
Where Tucson’s Water Comes From
Tucson uses a diversified portfolio that shields it from over-reliance on any one source:
- Colorado River Water (via CAP)
Tucson is legally entitled to 144,000 acre-feet of Colorado River water annually via the Central Arizona Project. It uses about two-thirds of that and stores the rest in underground basins (https://www.kgun9.com/news/arizona-water/tucsons-water-re-use-helps-long-term-groundwater-outlook). - Groundwater Reserves
Aquifer levels under Tucson have rebounded by over 150 feet in some areas since 2000 due to decreased pumping and managed recharge (https://tucsononewater.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Tucson-Water-One-Water-2100-Plan_Spreads_Web-Version.pdf). - Recycled Water
Tucson has used reclaimed water since the 1980s for parks, golf courses, and schools. It now irrigates over 1,000 sites (https://www.kgun9.com/news/arizona-water/tucsons-water-re-use-helps-long-term-groundwater-outlook). - Rain and Stormwater
The city offers rebates for rainwater harvesting systems and even mandates that commercial properties use captured rain for at least 50% of landscape irrigation (https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water/Water-Resources-and-Drought-Preparedness).
Many Tucson homes are built to take advantage of these water sources. Tony Ray can help you find properties with built-in rainwater systems, low-water landscaping, and energy-efficient irrigation — all while taking advantage of available rebates.
The Underground Reserve: Tucson’s Water Savings Account
Tucson has banked over 500,000 acre-feet of water in its aquifers — enough to meet city demand for 5 to 6 years if no new water arrived (https://wrrc.arizona.edu/news/tucson-build-advanced-water-purification-system).
This reserve is regulated by the state through Long-Term Storage Credits (LTSCs), which Tucson earns by recharging CAP water it doesn’t use. Think of it as a savings account for dry years.
Tony Ray helps homebuyers understand where this infrastructure exists and how it benefits their community — a layer of security and value many don’t realize exists in a desert city.
What If the Colorado River Supply Were Cut? Tucson Has a Plan
Tucson has multiple contingency plans in place in case Colorado River water deliveries are reduced or interrupted:
- Stored Water Withdrawal
Groundwater pumping can be increased to access the 500,000+ acre-feet of stored CAP water (https://www.npr.org/2022/09/15/1123289459/arizona-has-5-5-years-of-excess-colorado-river-water-stowed-in-a-secret-reservoi). - Additional Groundwater Rights
Tucson can legally pump an extra 54,000 acre-feet per year from former agricultural land it owns (https://tucsononewater.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Tucson-Water-One-Water-2100-Plan_Spreads_Web-Version.pdf). - Access to Statewide Stored Reserves
Tucson is eligible to receive water from the Arizona Water Banking Authority in emergencies (https://www.kgun9.com/news/arizona-water/tucsons-water-re-use-helps-long-term-groundwater-outlook).
Tucson’s readiness reassures both residents and investors. And Tony Ray is well-versed in these backup systems, so he can confidently explain what they mean for your property and lifestyle.
Living Water-Wise in Tucson
Tucson residents use about 75 gallons of water per person per day, one of the lowest rates in the entire Southwest (https://www.kold.com/2024/09/10/tucson-water-will-leave-even-more-water-lake-mead-next-year/). By contrast, Phoenix averages over 100 gallons per person daily.
This success is due to:
- Rebate programs for efficient toilets, washing machines, and irrigation
- Turf removal initiatives
- Xeriscaping incentives
- Residential and commercial rainwater harvesting programs
Tony Ray can connect you with neighborhoods that embrace water-smart living — and help you take advantage of programs that make sustainable choices affordable.
A Realtor Who Understands the Landscape
Tony Ray Baker isn’t just an experienced agent. He holds real estate designations in green building and sustainability (such as NAR’s Green Designation and EcoBroker Certified) and has helped families relocate to and within Tucson for over two decades.
He understands how water efficiency translates into home value, long-term livability, and lower costs — and he works to align your values with your next property.
Ready to Move Smart? Let Tony Ray Be Your Guide
Tucson has water — stored, recycled, managed, and secured through decades of planning. But more importantly, you have someone who understands how to help you live smartly within it.
Reach out to Tony Ray Baker today at (520) 631-TONY (8669). With his deep roots in Tucson, expert understanding of sustainability, and passion for helping people thrive in the desert, he’s ready to help you find a home that makes sense for your future.
👉 Contact Tony Ray to start your water-smart home search.
📦 Want to learn more about living in Tucson? Request your FREE Tucson Relocation Package — full of local insights, moving tips, and neighborhood guides curated by Tony Ray.
