Water Use Rules in Tempe, AZ (2026)
2 verified water use rules for Tempe, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
Tempe caps how much turf and other thirsty landscaping a new development can plant. Section 4-702(B)(1) of the Zoning and Development Code limits water-intensive landscape, including turf, water features and bodies of water, to 20% of landscapable area beyond the first 10,000 square feet, 20,000 for hotels, with schools, parks and golf courses of 10 acres or more exempt.
Tempe Low Water Use Landscape Cap
Some RestrictionsTempe Zoning and Development Code § 4-702(B)
B. Low Water Use Landscape. All development, except as noted herein, shall comply with the Low Water Use/Drought Tolerant Plant List, as provided by the Arizona Department of Water Resources or plants identified as xeric by landscape architects registered in the State of Arizona. 1. Limit on Water Intensive Landscape. Landscape installations for new construction and whenever a new landscape pla...
Leak Reporting Duty
Tempe's General Code makes it illegal to let a water leak run once you should reasonably have discovered it. Section 33-123 prohibits permitting the excess use, loss or escape of water through breaks, leaks or malfunctioning plumbing for any period after the escape should reasonably have been found and fixed, and the City enforces it through the same notice-and-surcharge ladder used for irrigation waste.
Tempe Duty to Repair Water Leaks
Some RestrictionsTempe City Code § 33-123 (Leakage, Escape of Water Prohibited)
It is hereby prohibited for anyone to permit the excess use, loss or escape of water through breaks, leaks or malfunction in the water user's plumbing or distribution facilities for any period of time after such escape of water should have reasonably been discovered and corrected.
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tempe city rules.
Water Use Rules in Maricopa County →