Sweetwater Wetlands

The Sweetwater Wetlands is a water treatment facility, an urban wildlife habitat, and an outdoor classroom. As a water treatment facility, the wetlands are designed to be one of Tucson's most important facets of the City's Reclaimed Water System. Water treated at the wetlands filters through sediments beneath the recharged basins and replenishes the local aquifer. This reclaimed wastewater is recovered by extraction wells during periods of high water demand and is distributed for reuse throughout the City's golf courses, parks, schools and other large turf irrigations areas. Using this reclaimed water means that we can have a "greener" community without using our drinking water to keep the grass and other plants alive.

As an urban wildlife habitat, the Sweetwater Wetlands is a tranquil park where visitors can amble along trails, peer through bulrush and cattails and view the native wildlife in an urban setting. Sweetwater recreates one of the most endangered habitats in our desert region - a water-rich streamside riparian zone that supports a huge variety of wildlife. You can visit most days of the year and have a chance to see desert rodents to majestic raptors, tiny waterbugs to wandering bobcats, and dozens of species of animals that make the wetlands their full or part-time home.

The facility also provides an environmental, educational experience in exciting natural laboratory settings for teaching about ecology and water resource management. Visitors can learn about the importance of establishing and enhancing the wildlife population in harmony with Tucson's urban environment.

Another important step in helping protect our environment is learning about the plants and animals that live here. For the convenience of visitors to the wetlands, Tucson Water is providing the Sweetwater Wetlands Activity Book and Field Guide. This guide provides information about the water cycle, ecology and conservations as well as photographic descriptions of the mammals, birds, insect, plants and reptiles that inhabit the area. In our desert community, it's not often that we have the chance to see the type of animals and plants that depend on open, flowing water and lush vegetation. To schedule a guided tour, contact Tucson Water at 791-4331. You may also visit our Educational Outreach Programs page for information on other tours available.

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