Oro Valley holds first sustainability-group session on 10-year water plan; residents weigh rainwater harvesting, reclaimed water and golf-course irrigation

The Town of Oro Valley convened its first public sustainability-group meeting to gather resident guidance for a 10-year water plan, focusing on ways to conserve drinking water, expand reuse, and manage long-term supplies.

Melanie Sims, principal planner for the town, opened the online session and said the meeting would consolidate public comments with legally required plan elements to form draft goals, policies and actions. The session drew staff from the Oro Valley Water Utility and roughly two dozen residents who commented on rainwater harvesting, graywater, reclaimed water, turf and golf-course irrigation, and possible rate and supply impacts if Central Arizona Project (CAP) deliveries fall.

Why it matters: Oro Valley has reduced groundwater reliance through reclaimed-water projects and CAP deliveries, but officials told participants the town still faces trade-offs between supply reliability and cost. Staff said some conservation measures (education, leak reduction, tiered rates) yield measurable near-term savings, while large investments (extending reclaimed distribution or buying new supplies) would come with significant price tags.

Technical context and reclaimed water: Peter Abraham, director of the Oro Valley Water Utility, explained local hydrology and supply arrangements. He said meaningful aquifer recharge in the region typically comes from sustained mountain snowmelt and downstream infiltration rather than small residential rains. On reclaimed water, Abraham told the group the town has an intergovernmental agreement with Tucson that provides an annual reclaimed entitlement tied to potable consumption; when the town uses more than its entitlement it can buy additional reclaimed water from Tucson at higher cost. Abraham said advanced purification (direct potable reuse) is increasingly feasible and that "we can treat reclaimed water to a potable standard. That's probably our next least expensive source of supply." He added candidly that "if you're okay with doubling or tripling your water bill, we can do that," underscoring that purchased or alternative supplies cost more.

Debate over rainwater harvesting and graywater: Residents raised practical questions about retrofit costs and the measurable benefit of household rainwater systems. Several participants said small-scale rain barrels or directing roof runoff to plantings can be effective for watering particular plants even if they do not materially recharge the regional aquifer. Others urged keeping rainwater harvesting and graywater systems on the table and suggested demonstration projects and incentive programs. Gail noted a large, institutional cistern example; Rachel recommended looking at Watershed Management Group training and rebates available in Tucson as models.

Targeting the largest users: Several participants argued for prioritizing reductions where they matter most. Phil, a long-time participant, recommended a Pareto approach — "attack the biggest users first" — noting that large outdoor uses (golf courses and turf) represent substantial volumes. Residents and staff discussed regulation and oversight of course irrigation, the role of reclaimed allocations for golf courses, and the need for cost-benefit analysis before large capital expansions of purple-pipe distribution.

Private wells and regional pumping: Abraham described two classes of groundwater users: nonexempt (utility) users, who report consumption to the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), and exempt private wells (35 gallons per minute or less), which are not reported. He said Oro Valley has roughly 70 private wells within town limits and about 200 adjacent; while private wells likely affect the aquifer to some degree, larger commercial users and upstream development have the more quantifiable impacts.

Rates, CAP allocations and planning implications: Participants asked how the town would respond if CAP allocations shrink. Abraham and former Tucson Water director Alan Forrest said the town has long‑term storage credits and portfolio options but that replacing CAP supply is possible only at greater cost. Abraham noted a planned water-rate adjustment tied to CAP costs and projected a modest multi-year increase after an initial pass-through; he warned that procuring replacement supplies would raise bills substantially.

Near-term steps and outreach: Residents and staff emphasized education, audits and voluntary tools such as WaterSmart (a leak‑alert and usage‑tracking tool that is voluntary) as immediate, cost-effective actions. Several called for rebate programs or outreach modeled on Tucson’s programs to encourage practical measures at the household level.

Next steps: Participants asked staff to draft goals, policies and actions based on tonight’s feedback. The group signaled it preferred staff prepare draft recommendations and review them at the next scheduled online meeting on May 13.

Quotes that capture the discussion: "We can treat reclaimed water to a potable standard," said Peter Abraham, Oro Valley Water Utility director. Resident Phil recommended prioritizing reductions by largest users: "we would attack the problem of the biggest user first." Rosa urged a water-first lens for planning: "every decision should be made through the lens of water." Abraham also warned of cost trade-offs: "if you're okay with doubling or tripling your water bill, we can do that."

What’s next: Staff will consolidate online comments and tonight’s discussion into draft goals, policies and actions for the 10-year water plan and return the draft to the group at a follow-up meeting.