About Us

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For almost two decades SAWUA has maintained a responsive and respected presence at the Arizona Legislature working with elected officials, senior appointed officials, and stakeholders to advocate for effective water policy, mitigating those measures that otherwise may potentially have adverse impacts and, when necessary, opposing legislation that would be detrimental to Southern Arizona or statewide water policy interests. 

For almost two decades, SAWUA has maintained a responsive and respected presence at the Arizona Legislature working with elected officials, senior appointed officials, and stakeholders to advocate for effective water policy, mitigating those measures that otherwise may potentially have adverse impacts and, when necessary, opposing legislation that would be detrimental to Southern Arizona or statewide water policy interests. 

Avra Water Co-op is a community owned, not-for-profit water provider located west of the Tucson Mountains and adjacent to the Saguaro National Park West. Our service area of 12.48 square miles is all located within incorporated Pima County in the small community of Picture Rocks. Water is pumped from three wells which average 800-acre feet of groundwater per year.

BKW Farms Inc. is a third-generation family farm in Marana that grows USDA Certified Organic heritage grains and mushrooms. As the Wong family has made sustainable agriculture practices a top priority, the farm converted to irrigation with Central Arizona Project (CAP) in the mid-1990s and has not pumped groundwater since. Additionally, BKW Farms Inc. assists in the operation of three Underground Storage Facilities.

The Flowing Wells Irrigation District (FWID) is a municipal water provider that has served communities on the north side of the Tucson metropolitan area since 1922. With over 3,500 service connections, FWID supplies quality water for about 16,000 individuals and businesses for domestic use and fire protection.

The Green Valley Water District was established in 2002 when residents came together to purchase an existing water company from the property developer in pursuit of local control. With over 4,500 residential water service connections, approximately 100 commercial connections and three golf courses, the wells produce just under one million gallons of water per day on average. The Green Valley Water District is dedicated to providing high-quality water and excellent customer service while prioritizing environmental conservation.

The Metro Water District (the District) serves nearly 60,000 customers primarily in unincorporated areas of Pima County. Formed via voter initiative in 1992, the District

is the largest Domestic Water Improvement District in Arizona. In addition to providing safe and reliable water services the District boasts a diverse renewable water portfolio that includes an annual allocation of 13,460 acre-feet of CAP water. The District is currently investing approximately $44 million in critical infrastructure to recover renewable water resources and reduce reliance on groundwater pumping.

The Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department protects public health, safety and the environment by providing and maintaining   sewer systems and seven water reclamation facilities to over 285,000 customers throughout Pima County. In collaboration with regional water providers, the Department recycles Arizona’s most precious resource, water, allowing it to be utilized in a myriad of ways such as parks and golf courses, wildlife habitats, dust control and long-term storage in underground aquifers. This practice allows groundwater to be saved for drinking.

The Town of Marana Water Department (Marana Water) provides water services to over 10,000 households and businesses, and water reclamation services to over 5,000 customers. The Town is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing municipalities. In 2020 Marana’s population was estimated to be over 50,000 and is anticipated to reach 75,000 by 2040. The majority of this growth is anticipated to rely on Marana Water for water and wastewater service. Marana Water strives to manage water resources in a cost-effective and responsible manner to sustain growth in an environmentally friendly manner.

The Town of Oro Valley Water Utility is a municipal water service provider serving a community of approximately 45,000 residents by way of the Utility’s nearly 21,000 residential and commercial service connections. Oro Valley Water Utility’s mission is to maintain and acquire sufficient water resources to ensure the community has adequate water supply to sustain the Town’s quality of life and support residential and commercial development. The Utility’s service area is located primarily within the corporate limits of the Town of Oro Valley. The Utility has a resource portfolio of 60% groundwater, 20% CAP and 20% reclaimed water but continues to invest in infrastructure to decrease groundwater reliance.