TUCSON, Ariz. — Tucson Water is scaling back discharge rates into the Santa Cruz River from around 2,000 gallons a minute to 500.

The decision to reduce the discharge was made because rising water levels at the base of a mountain downstream are approaching an old landfill.

A representative of Tucson Water told KGUN9 a permit requirement for the project is that water levels remain below the bottom of the landfill.

RELATED: Life pours back into the Santa Cruz but changes are ahead

He said water levels will be monitored and the flow could adjust depending on the impact of the changes.

The increased flow is part of a project begun eight months ago to recharge groundwater for storage.