The goal of the Citizen Water Academy is to provide the community with an inside look at how citizens are part of the local water cycle, examining drinking water supplies, the wastewater reclamation process, and research and innovations for the future.
The Tucson Citizen Water Academy consists of four classes. The series includes lectures, tours, and activities organized and delivered by Water Campus partners UA WEST Center, Tucson Water, and Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD).
During the Water Academy, participants will:
- Learn how water and wastewater utilities carefully manage resources.
- Tour the Sweetwater Wetlands with Tucson Water and learn about local water supply, including potable and reclaimed distribution systems, water quality monitoring and more.
- Tour the Tres Rios Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) with Pima County RWRD staff, and hear about steps in treatment, regulatory compliance, and the important role of wastewater in regional water security.
- Get a snapshot of water purification challenges and ongoing research and innovations developed at the University of Arizona with a tour of the UA Water & Energy Sustainable Technology (WEST) Center.
The next Citizen Water Academy is scheduled for February 2027, with the series taking place on Wednesday evenings (Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24). New in 2027 will be an opportunity to participate online. Watch for additional program and registration details, coming soon in November 2026.
For more information, contact the Citizen Water Academy organizer, Sarah Prasek, at sprasek@arizona.edu.
