Tucson Water operates under a Drought Preparedness and Response Plan with mandatory water-waste rules year-round, plus escalating Stage 1 to Stage 4 restrictions on outdoor irrigation, ornamental fountains, and street washing during declared shortages.
Adopted under Tucson Code Chapter 27 and Tucson Water rules, the Drought Plan defines stages tied to Colorado River and CAP delivery cuts. Even with no declared stage, water waste — runoff into streets, irrigation during rain, and broken sprinklers left unrepaired — is prohibited. Higher stages add day-of-week irrigation limits, fountain shutoffs, and bans on washing impervious surfaces with potable water. Tucson Water emphasizes deep, infrequent irrigation of low-water Sonoran-adapted landscaping over turf. Customers receive education first, then escalating notices.
First-step responses are warnings. Continued waste leads to civil fines, surcharge penalties on water bills, and ultimately service flow restrictors for chronic violators after due process.
Tucson, AZ
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