Rainwater Harvesting

Given the ongoing drought in the Southwest and the predictions that our climate will continue to get hotter and drier, approaches for more effective water management are increasingly important for our community. The families in our target area traditionally have had fewer resources to install rainwater harvesting systems and purchase and maintain trees and have been underserved by existing programs. We are increasing the number of rainwater harvesting systems by installing systems and teaching workshops. We are continuing our efforts to reduce the urban temperature in low-income communities by promoting rainwater harvesting for shade tree irrigation. This will reduce the heat vulnerability of the community and lessen the amount of cooling used by community members. We also seek to increase urban water conservation that can help address future water supply needs.

Limited-Income Rainwater Harvesting Program

Our Limited-Income Rainwater Harvesting Program seeks to increase the participation of limited-income households in Tucson Water’s rainwater harvesting rebate program. Many limited-income families cannot afford the upfront costs to install a rainwater harvesting system. With funding from Tucson Water, our program provides a no-interest loan and grants for households to pay for these systems over time and qualify for the Tucson Water rebate. Find out more about the rebate program at Tucson Water. For families with an income equal to or less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (PL) we offer a grant of up to $750 and for families between 100% and 200% PL we offer a grant of up to $500. The loans are to help pay the cost of the system and are available to qualifying families. Loans of up to $ 2,000 payable in 18 months and if the amount is less than $ 500 the family has 12 months to pay it. If you obtain a loan, you must make a deposit (the higher amount will be applied) of $ 20.00 or 10% of its value.

The requirements for the grant and loan program are given below. All participants will be required to have a Tucson Water account in good standing and attend a rainwater harvesting workshop. Register for a workshop here. As of 10/01/2020 to participate in the grant and loan program, families will need to have an income below 200% of the PL, live in an owner-occupied single-family dwelling, and have their property taxes paid. Families that rent can participate if they have a signed letter of agreement from their landlord.

Requirements for Participation in Program

Requirement	Loan Program	Grant Program
Tucson Water account in good standing	X	X
Attend a rainwater harvesting workshop	X	X
Income ≤ 200% of the Federal Poverty Level	X	X
Owner-occupied single-family dwelling	X	X
Renters living in single-family dwellings (with signed letter of agreement from landlord)	X	X
Property taxes paid	X	X