SPOTLIGHT: TUCSON / PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA

2012 Urban Water Sustainability Leadership Conference2012 Urban Water Sustainability Leadership ConferenceAlan Forrest, P.E., Tucson Water Director; Jackson Jenkins, Director – RWRD; Ed Curley,

Senior Program Manager – RWRD; Dr. Jeff Prevatt, Regulatory Compliance Manager – RWRD; Dr. Paul Green, Executive Director – Tucson Audubon Society; Claire Zucker,

Sustainable Environment Program Director – PAG

Spotlight: Tucson/Pima County, Arizona

October 16, 2012

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Team Members- Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department

- Tucson Water Department

- Tucson Audubon Society

- Pima Association of Governments

- University of Arizona

Spotlight: Tucson/Pima County, ArizonaSpotlight: Tucson/Pima County, Arizona

Regional WastewaterReclamation Department

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Spotlight: Tucson/Pima County, ArizonaSpotlight: Tucson/Pima County, Arizona

Topics- Introduction to the Arid West- ROMP – Water Quality and the Environment- Arid Lands / Water Resources – A Balancing Act- Birds, Business, and Reclaimed Water- Science and Technology- Creating a New Water Resource

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Introduction to the Arid West and Pima CountyIntroduction to the Arid West and Pima County

Ed Curley, Senior Program Manager – RWRD

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The Arid West is Different!The Arid West is Different!

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The Arid West – Defined by RainfallThe Arid West – Defined by Rainfall

0 – 10”

10 – 20”

>20”

Average AnnualPrecipitation

Arid West ecosystems are unique in the United States

www.tucsonforbeginners.com

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Critical Issues in the Arid WestCritical Issues in the Arid West

Water Quantity

Water Quality

Water Reliability

Stormwater

Water Quantity

Water Quality

Water Reliability

Stormwater

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Arid West Water Quantity / AllocationArid West Water Quantity / Allocation

Colorado River water rights

All surface water in the Arid West is fully allocated to federal, state, tribal, municipal or private (farms and ranches) interests.

Groundwater levels are declining across the West.

As a result, effluent has become very valuable as a water source, and the control and utilization of effluent are critical issues!

Existing groundwater rights

NRCS Photo

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Arid West Water QualityArid West Water Quality

Human Health Aquatic Environment

Emerging Contaminant Concerns

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Arid West Water ReliabilityArid West Water Reliability

Drought

Satellite images

Lake Mead, 2010

Lake Mead, 1985

Photo by Craig Moran, LV Review Journal

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Arid West Stormwater Quality/QuantityArid West Stormwater Quality/QuantityErosion hazards / sediment transport

Debris flows and sediment

Wildfires that alter

watershed conditions

Inadequate stormwater facilities in urban core

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Tucson

Pima County

Who We AreWho We Are

Population: 1,000,000 in Pima County742,000 in City of Tucson

9,200 square miles

Annual rainfall: 12 inches (metro area)

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Native American Tribes/NationsNative American Tribes/Nations

Welovesonora.com

• Sovereign nations• 42% of land in county

is Native American land

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Public LandsPublic Lands

• Only 14% of land in county is private

Bureau of Land Management

Forest Service

Indian Reservation

Local or State Parks

Military

National Parks

Other

Private

State Trust Land

Wildlife Refuge

Saguaro National Monument

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Bobcat

Coyote

Mule Deer

Raccoon

Javelina

Sonoran Desert Conservation PlanSonoran Desert Conservation Plan

Critical and sensitive habitat Biological corridors Riparian preservation Historical and cultural resources Mountain parks Ranch conservation

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ROMP – Water Quality and the EnvironmentROMP – Water Quality and the Environment

Jackson Jenkins, Director – RWRD

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Pima/Tucson Water Cycle

Golf Courses

Homes

Commercial/Industrial

ReclaimedWaterPlant

WellWell

Well

Tucson

Santa C

ruz River

Parks Reservoir

Booster

Well

Wastewater Reclamation

Plant

Booster

Booster

Well

Reservoir

Well

Golf Courses

Schools

Storage and Recovery

Project

Arizona

Central

Project

Hayden/UdallTWP

Reservoir

Grand CanyonLake

Havasu

Hoover Dam River Rocky MountainsGlen Canyon

Dam

Golf Courses

Homes


ReclaimedWaterPlant

WellWell

Well

Tucson

Santa C

ruz River

Parks Reservoir

Booster

Well


Plant

Booster

Booster

Well

Reservoir

Well

Golf Courses

Schools Golf Courses

Homes


ReclaimedWaterPlant

WellWell

Well

Tucson

Santa C

ruz River

Parks Reservoir

Booster

Well


Plant

Booster

Booster

Well

Reservoir

Well

Golf Courses

Schools


Project

Arizona

Central

Project

Hayden/UdallTWP

Reservoir


Project

Arizona

Central

Project

Hayden/UdallTWP

Reservoir

Grand CanyonLake

Havasu


Dam

Grand CanyonGrand CanyonLake

Havasu


Dam

o

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Ina Road WRF

Rillito Vista WRF

Randolph Park WRF

Mt. Lemmon WRF

Pima CountyFairgrounds WRF

Corona deTucson WRF

Green Valley WRF

Avra Valley WRF

Arivaca Junction WRF

Regional Sewer Service Area

RWRD 2nd largest wastewater

system in Arizona

700-square-mile service area

265,000 customers

500 employees

Conveyance 3,500 miles of sewer pipe

73,000 manholes and cleanouts

29 lift stations

Treatment 10 wastewater

reclamation facilities

2 regional and 8 sub-regional

Average 62 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated wastewater

30 dry tons per day of biosolids to be applied to agricultural lands

Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facilities (WRF)

Sub-Regional WRFs

Tucson CityLimits

Roger Road WRF

Pima CountyRegional Wastewater

Reclamation Department

Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation SystemPima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation System

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Plant Interconnect

Project Schedule Status

Project Completed

December 22, 2010

Project/Operational

April 11, 2011

Pipe being laid

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Water Reclamation Campus Treatment Facility

Purpose

To replace the aging Roger Road WRF with a new state-of-the-art WRF

To comply with the regulatory requirement to significantly reduce nutrient concentrations in effluent discharged to the Santa Cruz River

To provide Class A+ reclaimed water quality

To provide reclaimed water to Tucson Water for parks, golf courses and environmental restoration projects


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Project Schedule StatusRegulatory Compliance date for facility to be operational and in compliance with regulatory effluent quality requirements:

January 30, 2015

Contract substantial completion date: August 14, 2014

Project is currently 62% complete

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Water & Energy Sustainability Center(WESC)

Project Purpose

To provide a state-of-the art water laboratory to provide all regulatory compliance testing

To provide analytical services for other governmental agencies and universities

Project Schedule Status

Project Completed

March 2012

Project/Operational

December 2011

WESC Lobby

WESC Exterior

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Biosolids / Biogas Utilization Master Plan

Purpose

Develop a master plan for future regional treatment and reuse of biosolids

Develop a master plan for the complete beneficial utilization of biogas

Local Biosolids Application Digester Gas Complex

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Regional Optimization Master Plan

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• A+ reclaimed water

• Lower BOD

• Nitrification/denitrification

• Improved solids removal

Wastewater Reclamation Facility

Addressing Water Quality with State-of-the-art Treatment

Bardenpho Treatment

So, What are the projected levels????

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Average Pollutant Concentration, (mg/L)Expected Effluent Quality vs. Existing Effluent Quality

Ina Road WRF

Roger Road WRF

Nitrogen 26 31

Phosphorus

3.4 4.0

BOD 12 10

TSS 7 16

EXISTING TREATMENT

Based on Actual Treatment Quality, 2010

Ina Road WRF

Water Reclamation Campus

2.5 2.3

< 1.0* < 1.0*

2.4 2.7

3.1 3.3

UPGRADED TREATMENT

Estimate Using Actual Percent Removal by ExistingBNR Facilities and Actual Influent Data, 2010

* From Basis for Design – Effluent Quality Requirements Ina Road WRF Capacity and Effluent Quality Upgrade; Ina Road WRF Capacity and Effluent Quality Upgrade Final Design Report, January 2011

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ROMP Implementation Costs

ROMP planning level estimated cost (2006 dollars): $536 million

ROMP budget includingcost inflation (assuming an inflation rate of 5%): $720 million

Bonding/debt service:

1+ billion1+ billion

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Financial Planning – Impact of Rate Increase on Average Sewer Bill

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ROMP Budget vs. Projected Final Costs

ROMP BUDGET PROJECTED FINAL COSTS

Ina Road WRF $301,290,000 $311,717,581

Plant Interconnect 41,190,000 33,415,907

Water Reclamation Campus 275,100,000 182,466,445

Central Laboratory Complex 28,870,000 28,870,000(5)

Biosolids / Biogas Master Plan 21,810,000 25,810,000(2)

SCADA 13,460,000 13,593,000

Roger Road WRF Decommissioning / Deconstruction

38,290,000 41,107,736(3)

TOTALS $720,010,000(1) $636,980,669(4)

1) The original ROMP Budget of $720,000,000 has been reduced to $660,000,000 due primarily to the budget savings in the award of the Water Campus Treatment Facility DBO Project.

2) Significant savings in capital costs may be realized if the ultimate master plan results in a Public Private Partnership with private sectors ownership such as in a DBFOO procurement.

3) The capital cost for the deconstruction of the Roger Road WRF property may be significantly reduced in the event of the sale or lease of the property.

4) Additional reductions in the ROMP Budget below current ROMP Budget of $660,000,000 is anticipated when the project procurement methods for the Biosolids / Biogas Master Plan and deconstruction of the Roger Road WRF Property are decided.

5) The projected costs for the Central Laboratory Complex includes costs for an expansion to the Laboratory for future RWRD needs and an interim lease agreement with the University of Arizona.

Alan Forrest, P.E., Tucson Water Director

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Tucson Water Potable and Reclaimed Water SystemsTucson Water Potable and Reclaimed Water SystemsWater System

$115,000,000 in Water Sales

$141,000,000 in Total Rev.

800,000 Customers

225,000 Metered Services

212 Production Wells

65 Water Storage Fac.

100 Boosters

20,000 Fire Hydrants

80,000 Valves

Reclaimed System

160 miles of pipeline

5 Reservoirs

10 MGD Filtration Plant

Recharge & Recovery Facilities

Deliveries - 15,203 ac-ft

820 Sites, 1,073 meters

18 golf courses

704 SF residences

47 parks (43 City, 4 County)

61 schools

18 Golf Courses

47 Parks

Groundwater

212 Production Well Sites

65 Water Storage Facilities

Potable Water

Tucson City Limits

Reclaimed Water

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Available Water Supplies

Rocky Mountains

Renewable Water Supplies

Finite Water Supplies

Colorado River

Colorado River Allocation Recycled Water “Other” Water Supplies

Tucson Water Supply

Groundwater Stored Colorado River Water

Santa C

ruz River

Reclaimed Water

In Channel Recharge

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2011 Wet Water By Type

CAPGroundwater TARP Reclaimed

Total Water Production120,350 AF

CAP Water64%

Groundwater20%

TARP Water5%

Reclaimed Water11%

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Efficiency & Conservation

Zanjeros ProgramZanjeros Program

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Tucson’s Reclaimed Water

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2011 Effluent Storage & Recovery Summary

Annual RecoveryPhysical Losses Cut to AquiferLong Term Storage

9%

44%28%

19%

Total Delivery to 3 Underground Storage Facilities13,441.2 AF

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Transition to Renewable Supplies

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010Year

Wat

er P

rod

uct

ion

fo

r T

W S

ervi

ce A

rea

(Acr

e-F

eet

)

Pumped Groundwater

CAP

Reclaimed Water

Groundwater Pumping at 1959 Level

Total Potable Water Use at 1994 Level

2011

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Tucson Water‘s History of Planning

1989 2004 2008 2012RWMP

RWMP

Long Range Plan

Update&

Tucson Water Resources Plan 1990-2100

Water Plan: 2000-2050 Water Plan: 2000-20502008 Update

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Potable Water Use Projection to 2050

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050

Year

Vo

lum

e (

Acr

e-F

ee

t)

2027

The data were provided to TW by PAG - PAG sources the data as:University of Arizona, Eller College of Management, Economic and Business Research Center - 2011 3rd Quarter Forecast for Pima County

Colorado River Water

Banked Colorado River WaterCombination of Renewable and Finite Water Supplies

Potable Demand @145 GPCD

Actual Demand

Demand = CAP Allocation

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City of Tucson Sweetwater Wetlands

Cooperative InitiativesConstructed Recharge

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Cooperative InitiativesEcosystem Restoration

After restorationAfter restoration

Before restorationBefore restoration

Army Corps of Engineers

Pima County RWRD & RFCDCity of Tucson

Kino Environmental Restoration Project

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Birds, Business and Reclaimed WaterBirds, Business and Reclaimed Water

Dr. Paul Green, Executive Director – Tucson Audubon Society

Birds, business, and reclaimed waterBirds, business, and reclaimed water

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Birds and Pima County Wastewater TreatmentBirds and Pima County Wastewater Treatment

Why so many kinds of birds?

Economic value of birding in Pima County

PCRWRD proactively encourages multiple use


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Southeast Arizona/Pima County

One percent of the area

Fifty percent of the birds

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How many different kinds of birds in Arizona?

How many different kinds of birds in Arizona?

Around 914 species in North America

525 species in Arizona

620 in Texas616 in California523 in New Mexico485 in Florida465 in Colorado445 in New Jersey


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US Fish & Wildlife ServiceUS Fish & Wildlife Service48 million Americans watch birds Generate $82bn in total industry outputGenerate 671,000 jobsContribute $11bn taxes82% spending generated by non-

consumptive uses of refuges26.2 million golfers


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How do Wildlife Watchers spend their $$ in Arizona?How do Wildlife Watchers spend their $$ in Arizona?

Food $33,158,867 $76,523,656 $109,682,523

Lodging

$15,317,068 $68,511,041 $83,828,109

Private transportation

$28,246,411 $41,284,636 $69,531,047

Public transportation

$905,018 $27,780,815 $28,685,834

Public land access fees

$1,910,195 $3,193,743 $5,103,938

Guide fees $1,108,307 $1,193,379 $2,301,686


Gem Show Superbowl XXX Hunting Fishing Golf Wildlife Viewing0

200

400

600

800

1,000

1,200

1,400

1,600

Total Economic Impact/000s/200x

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Tucson Audubon ProvidesTucson Audubon ProvidesInformation Finding Birds in

Southeast Arizona Tucsonaudubon.org Rare bird alert Nature stores Develop resources at facilities

where birding is good Birding trails

Events National festival Bird walks: several every week Events for learning, celebrating

Places Water is scarce in an arid

environment Water-based habitats attract

birds in abundance and variety Cooperation promotes

understanding RWRD Wastewater Reclamation

Facilities hugely attractive to birds and birders


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Roger Road

Avra Valley

Green Valley

Corona de Tucson


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Rob

ert

Sh

an

tz

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Roger RoadRoger Road

Access Management

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Avra ValleyAvra Valley


Green ValleyGreen Valley


5454


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Science and TechnologyScience and Technology

Dr. Jeff Prevatt, Regulatory Compliance Manager – RWRD

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Endocrine Disruptors (EDCs) – A Subset of ECsEndocrine Disruptors (EDCs) – A Subset of ECs

PersonalCareProducts

Metals

IndustrialChemicals

PharmaceuticalDrugs

Synthetic andNaturally Occurring Hormones

PesticidesHerbicidesFungicides

Suspected EDCs

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Wastewater Treatment and Removal of Emerging Contaminants

Wastewater Treatment and Removal of Emerging Contaminants

Effects of trace organics in effluent discharged into surface water or through groundwater infiltration have not been well studied.

There is evidence of biodegradation of some trace organic compounds in the stream environment.

USGS: The Story of 4-n-nonylphenol

Biodegradation in Stream Sediments

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http://toxics.usgs.gov/photo_gallery/photos/emer_cont/EC_BiodegradationFieldParam2_l.jpg

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Wastewater Treatment and Removal of EDCsWastewater Treatment and Removal of EDCs

Total Estrogenic Activity

Arizona Facility % Removal

Avra Valley 99.8

Roger Road 33 (>99)

Ina Road 88 (>99)

Randolph Park >99

Wildcat (Flagstaff) 96

Rio de Flag (Flagstaff) >99.6

Note: RWRD’s Roger Road and Ina Road WWTPs did not have nitrification-denitrification at the time of this study. All others were tertiary plants with nitrification-denitrification. Black and Veatch, 2004

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Dispose-A-Med ProgramDispose-A-Med ProgramThe Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department has been actively involved with education about emerging contaminants in the waste stream, and has participated in several Dispose-A-Med events in the community.

Featured Partners

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Water and Energy Sustainability CenterWater and Energy Sustainability Center

Current Partners

Improved instrumentation technology

Improved process technology

Advanced researchPilot testing

Regional WastewaterReclamation Department

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University of Arizona – Tucson, Arizona USA

“Leading Research Institution in the American Southwest”

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WEST Center

Possible PartnersPossible Partners

Regional Wastewater

Reclamation Department

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Living RiverLiving River

Multi-year study funded by EPA, RWRD and Regional Flood Control District

Partners: USGS, ADEQ, University of Arizona, Sonoran Institute, Arizona State University

Document effect of treatment process improvements through ROMP

Investigate impact on water quality, habitat, wildlife, groundwater infiltration

Study normal stream flows and stormwater events

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Living River Surface Water Sampling Program

Living River Surface Water Sampling Program

Surface water sampling since 2004

Quarterly frequencyAt least 4 locations – change

with conditions and accessAdjacent to well locations

also:

One upstream stormwater location occasionally sampled

Compliance sampling conducted at Roger Road and Ina Road WRF outfalls

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Proposed Initial Living River Water Quality Indicators

Proposed Initial Living River Water Quality Indicators

Field Parameters•Temperature•Dissolved Oxygen•Electrical Conductivity•pH

Treatment Performance Indicators•Biological Oxygen Demand•Total Suspended Solids

Microbiology•E-Coli

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Creating a New Water ResourceCreating a New Water Resource

Claire Zucker, Sustainable Environment Program Director – PAG

Pima Association of GovernmentsSustainable Environment

Arid West Stormwater…our “Other” water

• Fast flowing • Intermittent• Often channelized• Runs through streets • Picking up pollutants

Stormwater - Supporting Our Water Resources• Recharging our aquifers• Providing water to our upland riparian areas

Urban utilization Key component of water sustainability

Transforming problem water into a water resource

Kino Environmental Restoration Project• U.S. Corps of Engineers & Pima County

• Re-developed detention basins

• 141 acres, with 28 acres riparian/open water

• Currently using only stormwater but can besupplemented with effluent as needed

Stormwater/ Rainwater Catchment Options

University of ArizonaStudent initiated and installed• Harvests approximately

18,000 gallons/year

• Captures roof runoff into numerous micro basins

Streets and MediansDevelop Road Design Technical Standards• For rainwater harvesting and promoting

planting and growth of shade trees

Stormwater/Rainwater Catchment Options

CommercialTucson Commercial Water Harvesting Ordinance • 50% of outdoor water

needs met through rainwater harvesting

Oro Valley Landscape Conservation Code Residential

Stormwater/Rainwater Catchment Options

Green Living Co op‑“Barn-raising” style workshops2011:380 members32 workshops

Community Design

http://www.harvestingrainwater.com/books/

18 Month Pilot ProjectJanuary 2011 - June 2012• 60 participant households• 220 volunteers engaged• 1,100 volunteer-hours logged • 4.1 acre-feet water saved• 6,090 gallons cistern capacity• 6,530 gallons of earthworks capacity

Connecting the DropsLinking Urban Water Use with Local Environmental Needs• Sonoran Institute• Watershed Management Group• University of Arizona

Conserve to Enhance

Quantifying Rainwater Harvesting Conservation Potential

Winter Spring Summer

Fall Total

0.00

5.00

10.00

15.00

2008 Estimate of Seasonal Rainfall in the Tucson Area

Season

Rai

nfa

ll (i

n)

Rainfall is seasonalFlows are unpredictablePrimarily for offsetting landscape use

Urban Heat Island (UHI)Mitigation

Drought Preparedness Economic

Driver

Rainwater Harvesting/Low Impact DevelopmentAt the Urban Interface

Tucson Clean and BeautifulTrees for Tucson – distributed over 75,000 trees in Tucson since 1989

1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 20150

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2

3

4

5

Date

Nu

mb

er o

f E

ffo

rts

per

Yea

r

City of Tucson

Interim Watercourse Improvement Policy 1988

City of Tucson

Watercourse Amenities, Safety, And Habitat (WASH) Regulations

1991

City of Tucson

Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance 2008

Town of Oro Valley

Town of Oro Valley Landscape Conservation Code

2010

Pima County

Stormwater Detention/Retention Manual (draft)

2012

City of Tucson

City of Tucson Water Harvesting Guidance Manual

2005

Pima County

Flood Control LID Working Group 2011

ADOT Guidelines for Long-Range Planning 2011

Town of Sahuarita

Sahuarita Farms River Master Plan Report 2012

Town of Marana

Marana Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Master Plan

2010

Pima County

Kino Environmental Restoration Project 2001

City of Tucson

Rainwater Harvesting at COT Ward Council Offices

2007

Pima County

Pima County Regional Optimization Master Plan (ROMP)

2007

City of Tucson

Urban Heat Island Workshops 2005

City of South Tucson

City of South Tucson Environmental Workplace Development and Job Training Program

2011

City of Tucson

Rainwater Harvesting Training through Tucson Water

2012

Government LeadershipUrban Heat Island Impacting PoliciesReview of 46 regulations, guidelines, municipal projects

Likely Scenario? Hotter Drier More of us

Urban Wildlife

Recreation

Our children’s

future

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6905082&id=603964761

Claire ZuckerPima Association of [email protected]

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Vision: Balancing PrioritiesVision: Balancing Priorities

Research

IntegratedPlanning

Environment

Wastewater Planning

Sustainability

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Documents

SPOTLIGHT: TUCSON / PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA