Oro Valley’s water supply is a concern voiced by many residents throughout the past few months. The Town has numerous programs, requirements, and plans to ensure an adequate and quality water supply for current demands and anticipated growth.
Due to the Water Utility’s continued planning and conservation measures, Oro Valley has never experienced a water shortage that required extreme responses (e.g. pausing permits, draining pools, or reducing irrigation).
Oro Valley’s Central Arizona Project (CAP) water allocation is anticipated to decrease by 25% as early as 2027. Although this decrease is sustainable, implementing measures on both a large and small scale to reduce drinking water use is important. All new developments must comply with Oro Valley’s standards for rainwater harvesting, native plant use, irrigation restrictions and more.
Should water conservation requirements be increased for greywater use and more?
Nearly 90% of the 23,000 water customers are residential. Most residential customers use 5,000-7,000 gallons of water per month with over half being used outdoors. Water is wasted due to evaporation from pools and fountains, overwatering plants, and leaking irrigation systems. In fact, 42% of the leaks confirmed by customers in 2023, were from irrigation systems.
How can the Town increase awareness about the importance of water conservation and resources available?
Expansion of the CAP water delivery system and use of reclaimed water for irrigation to reduce potable water consumption are a few measurable actions included in the current 10-year plan. Everyone’s voice is needed to help create the actions for implementation over the next 10 years, through OV’s Path Forward.
Join the conversation today!
Everyone’s voice is needed to answer these questions and more on OVPathForward.com. Visit the “How OV Sustains” page, to read a short report, watch a video, listen to a podcast and most importantly, share your perspectives and expectations for OV’s future. Your participation is critical to establishing the vision, values, and goals for Oro Valley’s future. Please check www.OVPathForward.com often to make your voice heard.
