Increase the Use of Non-Potable Water Resources

This initiative proposes to address the significant challenges due to the overuse of the shared aquifer in the Tucson basin, exacerbated by regional drought and climate change impacts. Despite receiving water from the Colorado River through the Central Arizona Project, this region anticipates future cuts in allocations amid ongoing drought conditions. The university, a major groundwater user in Tucson, must adopt sustainable water management practices and increase the use of non-potable water resources to mitigate its environmental impact and ensure long-term water resilience. Actionable items include:

• Adopt a One Water policy that treats all sources such as waste water, rain water, grey water, A/C condensate, etc., as vital resources that contribute to the campus’ water portfolio.
• Retrofit buildings to capture and utilize greywater where feasible, contributing to water conservation efforts on campus.
• Improve campus-wide water efficiency through infrastructure upgrades and behavioral changes, aiming to reduce potable water use across the University of Arizona Main Campus.
• Implement educational programs to raise awareness and promote water conservation practices among students, faculty, and staff, fostering a culture of sustainable water management on campus.
• Pursue opportunities to expand site-generated water.