Rainwater Harvesting: Green Valley vs Tucson
How do rainwater harvesting rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Green Valley has fewer restrictions than Tucson.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Arizona actively encourages rainwater harvesting. AZ HB 2675 protects homeowners from HOA prohibitions on rainwater collection systems. Pima County and the City of Tucson have been national leaders in rainwater harvesting policy. No permit required for residential cisterns under 2,500 gallons.
View full Green Valley rules →Tucson, AZ
Pima County
Tucson was the first U.S. city to mandate rainwater harvesting. Under UDC Section 7.6.5 and Ordinance 10597, new commercial developments must meet 50 percent of their landscape water demand using on-site harvested rainwater. Residential harvesting is voluntary but incentivized through Tucson Water rebates.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | HB 2675 protects from HOA bans | AZ HB 2675 legalizes harvesting |
| Cistern Permit | Not required under 2,500 gallons | - |
| Gray Water | ADEQ General Permit 4.02 (under 400 gpd) | - |
| Annual Rainfall | 11-12 inches (monsoon-dominant) | - |
| HOA Protection | ARS 33-1816 | - |
| Commercial Requirement | - | 50 percent landscape water from rain |
| Ordinance | - | 10597 and UDC 7.6.5 |
| Gray Water Limit | - | Up to 400 gallons per day permit-free |
| Residential Rebates | - | Up to 2,000 dollars active system |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
Can my HOA ban my rain barrel?
No. Arizona HB 2675 (ARS 33-1816) prohibits HOAs from banning rainwater harvesting systems. The HOA may impose reasonable design guidelines but cannot prohibit the system itself.
Do I need a permit for a gray water system?
Residential gray water systems producing fewer than 400 gallons per day are covered by ADEQ General Permit 4.02 and do not need a site-specific permit. The system must irrigate plants, not discharge to surface water.
Tucson FAQ
Is rainwater harvesting required in Tucson?
For new commercial and substantial redevelopment projects, yes. Half of the landscape water demand must be met with on-site rainwater harvesting under UDC 7.6.5. Residential harvesting is encouraged and rebated but not mandated.
Do I need a permit for a residential rain cistern?
No for passive basins or cisterns under 5,000 gallons used for irrigation. Larger systems or those integrated with potable plumbing need permits. Check PDSD for current thresholds.
Compare other topics
See how Green Valley and Tucson compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool