Rainwater Harvesting Program – Sonora Environmental Research Institute

Rainwater harvesting systems offer significant benefits, from conserving water resources to improving local ecosystems, yet their initial costs can be a barrier for limited-income families.

Recognizing the importance of equitable access to sustainable practices, Tucson Water’s rebate program provides essential support to ensure that rainwater harvesting is an attainable option for low-income households. Our program offers grants and zero-interest loans that empower families to invest in these systems while benefiting from Tucson Water’s rebate. This allows households to manage costs effectively, ensuring that all community members can participate in environmentally sustainable practices.

Qualifying participants can receive both passive and active systems, contributing to local resilience and sustainability. Households can earn a rebate of $1/gallon for active systems and $1.50/gallon for passive systems, provided the system is sized to capture at least one inch of rainwater from the catchment area. Even if a system is not large enough to capture the full rainfall, participants will still receive $0.50/gallon for all system features, ensuring that every contribution is valued.

Learn more about SERI’s program process below and join us in creating a more sustainable Tucson.

Financial assistance:

If your total household income is equal to less than the 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FLP), you qualify for a grant of up to $1,000.
If your total household income is greater than 100% of the FPL but less than or equal to 200% FPL, you qualify for a grant of up to $750.
$2,000 loans are available to all households that meet the requirements for our program.
All loans are 0-interest.
A payment plan of up to 12-months is available.
Down payments for loans are required of $20.00 or 10% of its value (the higher amount will be applied).

Do you qualify?

Tucson Water residential customer and account in good standing
Attend a rainwater harvesting online workshop
Total household income is equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
Homeowner of a single-family dwelling
Renter of a single-family dwelling (with signed letter of agreement from landlord)
Property taxes paid
Current with any prior loans from SERI

Qualification documents:

Recent Tucson Water Bill
Income documents for everyone in the household such as social security letter, tax return, check stubs, W2 form, unemployment letter, bank statement etc.