Water Restrictions: Green Valley vs Tucson
How do water restrictions rules compare between Green Valley, AZ and Tucson, AZ?
Green Valley has fewer restrictions than Tucson.
Green Valley, AZ
Pima County
Tucson Water and the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) regulate water use in the Tucson Active Management Area, which covers most of Pima County. ADWR Assured Water Supply rules (ARS 45-454) require new subdivisions to demonstrate a 100-year water supply. Tucson Water enforces stage-based drought restrictions.
View full Green Valley rules →Tucson, AZ
Pima County
Tucson Water enforces year-round xeric landscape and water waste rules plus a four-stage drought response. New commercial and multifamily landscapes must use drought-tolerant plants and efficient irrigation under Tucson UDC Landscape and Screening standards. Watering of impervious surfaces and daytime sprinkler runoff onto streets is always prohibited.
View full Tucson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Green Valley | Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| ADWR Authority | Tucson Active Management Area | - |
| 100-Year Supply | ARS 45-454 required for new subdivisions | - |
| Drought Stages | Tucson Water 3-stage restrictions | Four-stage response plan |
| CAP Water | Colorado River allocation supplements supply | - |
| Reclaimed Water | Available for landscape irrigation | - |
| Commercial Turf Cap | - | 10 percent of landscape |
| Waste Prohibited | - | Runoff and daytime spraying to pavement |
| Rebates | - | Rainwater, gray water, turf conversion |
| Utility | - | Tucson Water 520-791-3242 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Green Valley FAQ
Can I water my lawn anytime in Pima County?
It depends on drought stage. Tucson Water enforces mandatory outdoor watering schedules during Stage 2 and may ban outdoor watering (except established trees) during Stage 3. Properties on private wells follow ADWR rules.
Do new developments need to prove water supply?
Yes. ARS 45-454 requires all new subdivisions in the Tucson AMA to demonstrate a 100-year Assured Water Supply before plat approval.
Tucson FAQ
Is there a watering schedule in Tucson?
Not during normal conditions. Tucson Water relies on xeric landscape design and conservation pricing. During Stage 2 drought or higher, watering days may be limited based on address.
Are rebates available for xeriscape?
Yes. Tucson Water offers rebates for rainwater harvesting systems, gray water irrigation, and turf-to-xeriscape conversion. See the Water Conservation program page for current amounts and applications.
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