The City of Tucson has formally ordered developers tied to Project Blue to stop using Tucson’s water supply after learning water was hauled from the city’s system to the proposed data center site south of Tucson for dust control.
In a letter to developers, city officials said Tucson Water revoked a construction water meter obtained by contractor Ames Construction, effective April 24, after being alerted that water from Tucson’s system was being transported to the Project Blue site near South Houghton Road.
The letter said the use of Tucson water directly contradicts the mayor and council’s unanimous decision to reject any involvement with, or support for, the proposed Project Blue data center development.
Officials emphasized that Tucson will not provide “any city resource,” including its water supply, for the project’s construction or operation.
The city is also demanding restitution, asking Project Blue’s developers to transfer 2 acre-feet of water credits to Tucson Water at no cost to replace the amount used.
Tucson City Councilmember Kevin Dahl said the situation raises concerns about how the project has been handled.
“The fact that Tucson water from our utility is being used for dust control — dust control is important — but it seems that if they were better managed, they would know that they have to get water from wherever they’re going to get water to operate it,” Dahl said. “They need to make this right by giving back the two acre-feet of water that they’ve used so far.”Dahl also questioned whether developers will follow through on commitments moving forward.
“They need to start proving to everybody — and there’s so many people mad at them — that they will be a good community member,” he said. “Follow the rules. Say the truth. If you have a source of water that’s not Tucson water, go use that water.”
In a statement to KGUN 9, representatives for Project Blue said:
“The city issued a permit for temporary water per the normal course of business, our contractor followed standard procedure and will be billed accordingly. We are procuring construction water through an alternative source of non drinking water. We direct any questions on the permit issuance to Tucson Water.”
City officials, responding to multiple media inquiries by email, said construction meters are typically issued to provide temporary access to water — often from fire hydrants — for uses like dust control at construction sites within Tucson Water’s service area.
Officials said approximately 2 acre-feet of water was used in this case.
According to the city, the issue came to light after a community member raised a question to a Ward 4 staffer about whether water used for dust control at the site was coming from Tucson’s system.
City officials said they have not yet received a response from the developer following the letter and are evaluating next steps if the issue is not resolved.
