Tucson, like many Arizona cities, relies on large amounts of water to survive.  That’s why the city is motivated to conduct the first rainwater and graywater harvesting program in the nation.

On Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m., Rodney Glassman, a Tucson City Council member, traveled from Tucson with a small staff to inform the Flagstaff community on how to achieve sustainability. 

Flagstaff Mayor Sara Presler invited Glassman, who has been invited to more than a dozen other cities throughout the state. More than 30 people attended the event.

“We are continuing to work towards making sure we have a good quality of life,” Presler said.

Glassman said Tucson’s geography led it to become the first city to push a sustainable water act, but added the issue affects the entire state.

“Every place gets to take a drink first,” Glassman said, “and Tucson is at the bottom, so they will be the most dramatically affected.”

Graywater consists of water used in bathroom sinks, washing machines, showers and tubs. Due to their sustainability, both rain and graywater lower the demand for public water.

By installing micro basins, swindles and curb cuts, cities and their residents can catch and retain rainwater.

“We are trying to make sure everyone is excited about it because it is really great for the community,” Glassman said.

Darrel Smith, a Flagstaff resident, said he supported efforts toward developing more sustainable water policies.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Smith said. “I don’t participate in (sustaining) yet, but I would.”

On Oct. 14, Mayor Bob Walkup of Tucson adopted ordinance No.10579, requiring commercial properties to harvest rainwater for landscaping. It will begin June 1, 2010.

Glassman said the ordinance was very important, but the process will be even more vital.

“In 2008, we brought everyone around the table, including city department representatives and balanced stakeholder groups, where we talked about how sustainability can be reached with consensus,” Glassman said.

Twenty organizations spoke in favor of the ordinance. Mayor Walkup said it was the best public hearing he ever attended.

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), established by the Arizona Legislature in 1986 to protect public health and the environment, instigated people in Arizona to begin using graywater as irrigation for homes. 

The most efficient way to carry out this irrigation begins with new housing constructions that are pre-plumbed with graywater systems. Graywater is used to irrigate landscaping.

“Education is so important for graywater,” Glassman said. “We have to make sure people are using the right soaps and the right detergents.”

Glassman will return to Flagstaff in the fall and is optimistic about the future.

“I believe it is best for all of us,” Glassman said.

For more information on the beginnings of this rain and graywater act, visit http://www.tucsonaz.gov/ocsd or e-mail Rodney Glassman at Rodney@rodneyglassman.com.