Moving to Tubac and wondering who turns on the water and lights? You’re not alone. In this historic Santa Cruz County community, utility providers can change from one street to the next. This quick guide shows you who likely serves your address, how to confirm service, and what to do to get set up before closing. Let’s dive in.
Why providers vary by address
Tubac blends village neighborhoods with rural parcels, so utilities are not one-size-fits-all. Water and wastewater can differ by subdivision, and some homes use wells and septic systems. Natural gas lines are not everywhere, so many properties use propane or electric-only systems. The bottom line: always verify by the exact address.
Water service in Tubac
A major provider in Tubac is EPCOR Water through its regulated “EPCOR – Tubac” system. You can confirm the system’s details in Arizona’s Safe Drinking Water database under the EPCOR Tubac entry. Check the EPCOR system listing in the ADEQ database to verify whether it serves your property’s address. You can also review the state’s list of small water-company tariffs, which includes Baca Float Water Company, another Tubac-area supplier.
- Start here to confirm EPCOR’s Tubac system: ADEQ EPCOR – Tubac water-system detail
- See small water-company tariffs: Arizona Corporation Commission water tariffs
Some rural parcels use private wells. For any home on a well, request recent water-quality test results and well records during due diligence.
Electricity and natural gas
UniSource Energy Services (UNS) is cited locally as the primary electric utility for the Tubac area. The Tubac Chamber’s relocation page lists UniSource for both electric and, in some areas, natural gas. Natural gas lines do not reach every address, so many homes rely on propane or electric heating. Always call the utility to confirm if a specific home has a gas main connection or requires propane delivery.
- Local reference listing UniSource: Tubac Chamber – Relocation utilities
For outage expectations, local news reports show UniSource leads restoration efforts for countywide events, including Tubac. You can follow response updates on the utility’s outage tools and local news during major events.
- Example coverage: Santa Cruz County outage report
Sewer, septic, and wells
Wastewater service is mixed. Some neighborhoods have community sewer, while many properties use on-site septic systems. In rural areas, private wells are also common. As a buyer, request the seller disclosure, septic permits and pumping records, and any recent well tests. Plan for a licensed septic inspection and capacity review before you close.
Trash and recycling
Most homes use a local hauler rather than municipal pickup. Rio Rico Sanitation advertises residential and commercial service in Tubac and nearby unincorporated areas. Some HOAs include trash in monthly dues, so check your community documents for details and pickup schedules.
- Service option: Rio Rico Sanitation
For bulky items or special disposal, the county’s landfill and transfer arrangements may apply. Confirm procedures with your hauler or HOA.
Internet and phone
You have several options, but availability and speeds are address-specific. CenturyLink offers DSL in much of Tubac, and multiple fixed‑wireless providers serve parts of the area. Satellite systems like Starlink, Viasat, and HughesNet have wide coverage, and cellular home internet may work where signal allows. Always check current options for your exact address.
- Overview of providers by ZIP: BroadbandNow – Tubac
- Address-level check and speeds: BroadbandMap – Internet providers in Tubac
For TV, satellite and streaming are common. Landline service is typically available through CenturyLink, while mobile coverage varies by carrier and location.
Propane deliveries and tanks
If a home is not on a natural gas main, it likely uses propane for heating, cooking, or both. Ask whether the tank is owned or leased, and request recent delivery records. Add delivery schedules and tank maintenance to your annual home-care plan.
Quick setup checklist for buyers
Use this list during your offer and inspection periods so there are no surprises on move-in day.
- Water: Confirm the supplier by address through seller disclosures and the state database. Start with the ADEQ EPCOR – Tubac listing and check the Arizona Corporation Commission water tariffs for small systems such as Baca Float.
- Sewer/Septic: Get HOA or utility confirmation for sewer. If septic, request permits, pumping history, and a licensed inspection report.
- Electric/Gas: Contact UniSource to confirm electric service, meter details, and whether natural gas is available at the address. If not, plan for propane service.
- Internet: Run your address through BroadbandNow and the FCC Broadband Map to confirm providers and speeds. Consider a backup option if remote work is critical.
- Trash: Ask the seller or HOA which hauler serves the home and whether service is included. If not, set up an account with a local carrier such as Rio Rico Sanitation.
- Closing: Request copies of recent utility bills, verify easements, and arrange transfers or deposits with each provider before your final walk-through.
Tips for sellers
- Gather documents: Most recent utility bills, water/sewer confirmations, septic permits and pumping records, and any well test results.
- Clarify service details: Note the electric utility, internet providers used, and whether the home has natural gas or propane.
- Smooth transfer: Provide buyers with account info for water and trash, HOA contacts for included services, and any tank lease agreements.
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FAQs
Who provides water to my Tubac address?
- It depends on the parcel. Check seller disclosures, then verify using the ADEQ EPCOR – Tubac system page and the Arizona Corporation Commission water tariffs for small systems like Baca Float.
Is natural gas available throughout Tubac?
- Not everywhere. The Tubac Chamber notes UniSource for gas in some areas, but many homes use propane or electric heating, so confirm service at your specific address using the local utilities overview.
Are most Tubac homes on sewer or septic?
- It varies by neighborhood. Many rural parcels use on-site septic systems, while some communities connect to a sewer system. Request disclosures, permits, and a septic inspection if applicable.
What internet speeds can I expect in Tubac?
- Options range from DSL to fixed‑wireless and satellite, and speeds vary by address. Check your home on BroadbandNow and confirm at the FCC Broadband Map before you rely on a single provider.
Who handles trash pickup in Tubac?
- Local haulers serve most addresses, and some HOAs include trash service. A common provider is Rio Rico Sanitation; ask the seller or HOA to confirm and share the service schedule.