The Santa Cruz River Heritage Project

The Santa Cruz River Heritage Project is an excellent example of how Tucson Water continues to ensure reliable water resources for our community. The project adds up to 2.8 million gallons of treated recycled water daily (3,150 acre feet a year) to the Santa Cruz River at a point south of downtown near the heart of the city. This added water brings perennial flow to this portion of the river, fostering abundant native vegetation and wildlife along with recreational and economic opportunities.

Amenities and Accessibility

• Parking: Limited parking is available at West Star Pass Boulevard on the east side of the Santa Cruz
• Bathrooms: N/A
• Water Fountains: N/A
• Trail/Path: The Chuck Huckleberry Loop is a paved shared-use path which runs adjacent to the project
• Pet Friendly: Yes. Dogs should be on-leash. Please clean up after your pet.

Directions and Hours

The Santa Cruz River Heritage Project outfall (where the treated recycled water enters the riverbed) is located approximately one-quarter mile south of West Starr Pass Boulevard and is most easily viewed from the Chuck Huckleberry Loop. The water flows north, and the distance varies depending on the amount of water being added and environmental and soil conditions.

• Location Map(PDF, 1MB)
• Google map link

Dawn to dusk. Nighttime use is prohibited.

Resources

• https://webcms.pima.gov/government/the_loop/
• https://webcms.pima.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_6/File/Government/Natural%20Resources%20Parks%20and%20Recreation/Rules/Loop_Guidelines.pdf
• Print and color your own Santa Cruz River Heritage Project mini-poster(PDF, 2MB)

The Santa Cruz River Heritage Project is spotlighted in the March/April issue of World Water. Read the article here.(PDF, 224KB)

For additional information, contact the Public Information and Conservation Office at 520-791-2666 or tw_pio@tucsonaz.gov.