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Tucson Water describes large‑quantity water user ordinance that would apply to big data‑center applicants
Summary
Tucson Water staff said the city adopted a large‑quantity water user ordinance in August 2025 that applies to any high water user (including data centers), triggers at a monthly threshold described in the meeting as '10,000 c c f a month' (~7.4M gallons), and requires conservation plans, recycled water use when possible, and offsets for large users.
Tucson Water staff explained the city's large‑quantity water user ordinance and how it would apply to large data‑center proposals.
"I'm John Kamik, director of, Tucson Water," the water director said, outlining how the ordinance — prepared quickly after staff found no internal restrictions for very large new users — is intended to protect local water supply by requiring review and conservation commitments for any development expected to use large volumes of water.
Scope: the ordinance applies to any large water user, not only data centers, and staff described it as covering industries such as food processing, manufacturing or other high‑use commercial operations. The ordinance creates a threshold that will trigger additional review and obligations.
Threshold and requirements
- Threshold: staff cited a threshold of "10,000 c c f a month," which the meeting transcript records as approximately 7,400,000 gallons per month. Staff said the ordinance would apply to new developments expected to use water near that level and could also apply if existing users change operations and request larger meters.
- Conservation plan and offsets: applicants that exceed the threshold would be required to submit a water conservation plan showing proposed conservation measures and how they will offset or replenish use in the community.
- Review and approval: large users must obtain Tucson Water review and Mayor and Council approval under the ordinance; staff said refinements from stakeholder input are still being considered and additional ordinance changes could be adopted in the coming months.
What was said about timing and current status
Staff told attendees the ordinance was adopted by Mayor and Council in August 2025 as an initial measure and that staff are working with Mayor and Council offices on possible refinements informed by stakeholder feedback; staff said they hope to adopt refinements this fall but that no in‑city applications that meet the threshold have been received.
Questions and follow‑up
Attendees asked how the water threshold interacts with zoning proposals and whether data centers that fall under the threshold could be prohibited from using potable water for cooling; staff said the water ordinance and the zoning proposals are complementary and that the zoning process will request public disclosure of anticipated water use while the water ordinance requires a conservation plan and potential potable‑water prohibitions in some situations. Staff said they would be working on refinements and will post updates online.
