Gray water is wastewater collected from the drains of hand-washing sinks, showers, bathtubs and clothes washing machines. Of the total amount of wastewater generated in a typical home, 12% is from clothes washers, 10% is from faucets, and 9% is from showers. That’s a total of 31% that can be re-used as gray water for landscape plants, fruit trees, and lawns.
Applicants must submit a W-9 form 
for rebates of $600 or more, which are subject to tax, and will be issued a 1099-MISC for miscellaneous income. The W-9 form requires submitting your social security number.
Rebate
Tucson Water will reimburse 50% of qualifying costs, up to $1,000, when a permanent gray water irrigation system is installed at your home after January 1, 2013. Rebates are available for retrofitting existing homes, as well as connecting new homes to gray water irrigation systems.
Eligibility
- Gray water irrigation systems purchased after January 1, 2013.
- Rebate covers design costs (up to $200), materials, storage tanks, filters, pumps, backflow prevention assembly, and installation.
- Rebate does not cover hoses and other non-permanent fixtures, bathroom remodel materials, workshops, plants and sales taxes.
Requirement
Tucson Water customers must attend a free, two-hour Gray Water Rebate Workshop. The workshop covers appropriate methods to design, operate, and maintain a gray water system. The workshop is offered by Watershed Management Group. Submission of a gray water project plan is required. Note that pressurized systems will need installation of an RPA (Reduced Pressure Assembly) for backflow prevention.
NEW! Watch this informative video on Backflow Prevention: Rainwater and Gray Water Pressurized System - Backflow Prevention Requirement
Upcoming Dates:
March 23, 2023 5:00 - 7:00pm Click here to sign up
Backflow Prevention Requirements
Use of an irrigation system that is pressurized with any kind of pump must have a reduced pressure assembly (RPA) installed at the service connection to protect the public water system from potential contamination.
For more information on backflow assembly requirements for alternative water sources (rainwater and gray water irrigation systems), download the Alternative Water Sources and Backflow Assembly Requirements 
, visit the Backflow Prevention web page, or call 520-791-2650.
Permit Requirements
Contact the City of Tucson Planning & Development Services Department to find out if a permit is needed:
- A permit is not required to tap into a pre-existing gravity stub-out from the washing machine.
- A permit is required to modify drainage plumbing/piping from any fixture.
- Apply for a residential building permit here, start by creating an account: tdc-online.tucsonaz.gov/
- For help with the new Tucson Development Center Online: tucsonaz.gov/pdsd/news/tucson-development-center-online-faq
- Homeowners may perform plumbing work on their own residence; otherwise, licensed contractors must be used.
- For more info: www.tucsonaz.gov/pdsd/water-energy-conservation or at (520) 791-5550
More Information
Click on the following links for information, call 520-791-4331, or email pico@tucsonaz.gov.
- Gray Water Rebate Program Brochure (3.1 MB)
- Gray Water Information Guide (14.8 MB)
- Resource List for Water Harvesting
- Backflow Prevention Q&A
- Using Gray Water at Home
- 10 Questions To Ask Before Using Laundry Water In Your Yard
Esta información está disponible en Español. Por favor llame al (520) 791-4331.