Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD)

Director: Jackson Jenkins
201 North Stone Avenue, 8th Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(520) 724-6500

RWRD provides design, management, and maintenance of the sanitary sewer system. Learn more...

Can't Find What You Want? Call us at 724-6500 or use our Questions and Comments Form

Want to see our 5-Year Strategic Plan or Annual Work Plan?

Industrial Wastewater Ordinance Information

The Industrial Wastewater Ordinance (IWO), Pima County Code Chapter 13.36, was originally adopted by the Board of Supervisors in 1982 and was last modified in 1991. In order to address changes mandated by the EPA and ADEQ, Pima County’s RWRD Industrial Wastewater Control (IWC) Section submitted a revised and updated ordinance to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration and approval.

The revised ordinance, No. 2013-32, was adopted by the Board at their meeting on June 18, 2013. The new ordinance will become effective on July 18, 2013.

As part of the federally mandated Pretreatment Program, Pima County RWRD has an Enforcement Response Plan (ERP) serving as a Substantive Policy Statement outlining penalties for violations of the IWO. This policy was also updated to reflect the changes made in the ordinance. The ERP was also approved by the Board of Supervisors on June 18, 2013.

New Sewer Connection Fee Charges

The Pima County Board of Supervisors (BOS) adopted a new Wastewater Connection Fee methodology based on water meter size at the May 15, 2012 meeting. The ordinance went into effect on July 1, 2012, along with a new rate structure associated with water meter size.

The New 2012 Standards for the Design and Construction of Public Sanitary Sewers

PCRWRD Engineering Design Standards 2012

PCRWRD Standard Specifications and Details for Construction 2012

The new 2012 Standards for Public Sanitary Sewers in Pima County were approved and adopted by the Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting on December 18, 2012.

2012 New Standards

Regulatory Rights

Under A.R.S.§§ 11-1601 through 11-1610, RWRD is required to give Public Notice for its Permits, Approvals, and other Licensing actions.

The Application Process Notices currently approved are listed below:

Development Permits

Connection to Existing Sewer Approval -- Posted 1/7/13, updated 4/3/13

Final Plat Acceptance -- Posted 3/11/13

Preliminary Sewer Layout Acceptance -- Posted 12/28/12, updated 3/21/13

Public Sewer Construction Permit -- Posted 12/28/12, updated 4/3/13

Sewerage Capacity Allocation -- Posted 12/28/12, updated 4/30/13

Sewer Improvement Plan Acceptance -- Posted 3/14/13

Industrial Waste Control Permits

Industrial Wastewater Discharge Permit (IWC) -- Posted 12/19/12

Septage Permit (IWC) -- Posted 12/19/12

Program Highlights and Announcements

Regional Optimization Master Plan - A major program to address environmental regulatory requirements.

Odor Control Program - Ongoing initiatives to reduce odors from the treatment and conveyance systems.

Sewer Outreach Subsidy Program - Need help with your sewer bill? If you are a low-income resident, the Sewer Outreach Subsidy Program can help.

Proper disposal of unused prescription and over-the-counter medications can help to protect our environment. Unused medications should not be flushed down drains and toilets! There is now a safe way to properly dispose of unused over-the-counter and prescription medications. We invite you to dispose of your unused medications through the Dispose-a-Med Program.