| Phoenix Water Services Department Assures Water Security Following Release of New Groundwater Model | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/2768 | Water Services | | 6/1/2023 9:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2768/Groundwater_AMA_Newsroom_Water_055.jpg | | Phoenix Water Services Department Assures Water Security Following Release of New Groundwater Model | <div class="ExternalClass2FED68F1E16942C6AE8E851AABFE68CD"><html>
<div></div><div><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><p>The City of Phoenix Water Services Dept. addresses concerns raised by the <a target="_blank" href="https://new.azwater.gov/phoenix-ama-groundwater-supply-updates">new Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA) Groundwater Model release</a>, emphasizing that Phoenix's water security remains intact due to its diversified water portfolio and long-term planning. It is important to note that while the Phoenix AMA bears our city’s name, the area is very large and encompasses all of Maricopa County and parts of Pinal County. However, the model, unveiled by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, has prompted discussions about Phoenix's water resources.<br></p><p>The Groundwater Model provides valuable insights into groundwater usage projections and indicates an expected groundwater shortage of 4.9 million acre-feet over the next 100 years in the Phoenix AMA. The Model does not include projections of the availability of any other type of water, including water from rivers and streams and reclaimed water.<br></p><p>While the results of the study are important for understanding the groundwater situation, it is crucial for Phoenix Water customers and stakeholders to know that the City’s water security remains unaffected. Groundwater plays a minimal role in Phoenix's overall water usage, accounting for only 2% of the City's total water usage each year. The remainder of Phoenix’s water supplies come from renewable resources, such as the Salt, Verde, and Colorado Rivers. Phoenix also reuses more than 95% of its reclaimed water. <br></p><p>"Ensuring our continued water security is a top priority, and I have the utmost confidence in the City of Phoenix’s water resources planning and resilience," said Mayor Kate Gallego. "For the last several decades we have stored more groundwater than we have used, and we will continue to invest in diversifying our resources, bolstering infrastructure, and enhancing conservation practices. We’re not only looking out for ourselves—Phoenix will continue to lead the region in securing our water supplies for the future, including in driving the development of a regional Advanced Water Purification system that will supply up to 60 million gallons of water per day by the end of the decade."<br></p><p>The Assured Water Supply (AWS) program is a cornerstone of Phoenix's water management efforts. All ten cities within the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) have a 100-year Assured Water Supply Designation, demonstrating their ability to meet current and future water demands, including growth. This designation considers a diverse water portfolio, including surface water from the Central Arizona Project (CAP) and Salt River Project (SRP), which accounted for 90% of drinking water supplies in 2021. Groundwater represents a small percentage of the collective water portfolios of AMWUA cities.<br></p><p>Cynthia Campbell, Phoenix Water Resources Management Advisor, added, "The City of Phoenix has diligently pursued a comprehensive water management strategy, which includes reducing dependence on groundwater. Through proactive measures such as advanced water purification systems, infrastructure expansion, and strong conservation programs, we will continue to be resilient in the face of challenges."<br></p><p>Additionally, the City of Phoenix has implemented its own sophisticated water forecasting system that considers various factors such as temperature, precipitation patterns, population growth, and economic development. This comprehensive approach allows the City to accurately assess future water demands and make informed decisions to ensure water availability for its residents and businesses. By considering the potential impacts of climate change, population growth, and economic factors, Phoenix is actively planning and implementing strategies to meet the water needs of a thriving and expanding city. This proactive approach, combined with the diversified water portfolio and long-term planning, further solidifies Phoenix's commitment to maintaining water security and sustainability for the years to come.<br></p><p>The City of Phoenix Water Services Department remains committed to sustainable water management practices, investing in technology, infrastructure, and conservation measures. Those efforts ensure that Phoenix can meet current and future water demands, regardless of the challenges posed by the groundwater model or potential Colorado River shortages.<br></p><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span>
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<strong>Arizona Department of Water Resources</strong>: <a target="_blank" href="https://new.azwater.gov/phoenix-ama-groundwater-supply-updates">Phoenix AMA Groundwater Supply Updates</a></p>
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<strong>About City of Phoenix Water Services Department</strong>
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The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Phoenix. With a commitment to water conservation, innovation, and long-term planning, the department ensures a secure and resilient water supply for future generations.
For more information, visit <a href="/waterservices" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/water</a>.
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<p><strong><strong style="font-size:13.3333px;">Media Contacts:</strong><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></strong></p><p><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Jimena Garrison</span><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Public Information Officer</span><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Water Services</span><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">480-390-1933</span><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><a style="font-size:13.3333px;" href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</a><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Michael Gertzman</span><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Senior Public Information Officer </span><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">Water Services</span><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><span style="font-size:13.3333px;">602-534-1209</span><br style="font-size:13.3333px;"><a style="font-size:13.3333px;" href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</a><br></p>
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| Phoenix Joins Historic Colorado River Conservation Effort | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/2766 | Water Services | | 5/31/2023 7:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2766/NRWSD_CO_River_BOR_749w.jpg | | Phoenix Joins Historic Colorado River Conservation Effort | <div class="ExternalClassB89613EDA1264036B994B0BF0B595B71"><html>
<p>The Phoenix City Council <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Q6lmraddnOk?feature=share&t=8329" target="_blank">unanimously approved</a> a significant commitment to regional water conservation efforts by agreeing to a landmark initiative in partnership with the United States Bureau of Reclamation, the Arizona Department of Water Resources, and Central Arizona Project.<br><br>In the face of severe drought conditions and historically low water levels at Lake Mead and Lake Powell, this agreement aims to preserve the Colorado River, a critical water source for Phoenix and the Southwest.<br><br>Under this agreement, the City of Phoenix will voluntarily forgo up to 50,000 acre-feet of its Colorado River entitlement each year from 2023 to 2025. In return, Phoenix will receive compensation of up to $20 million in 2023 and potentially more in 2024 and 2025 if additional conservation efforts are implemented.<br><br>"Conserving water and using it efficiently is in our DNA, and we will continue our efforts to bolster Western water security," said Mayor Gallego. "We recognize that safeguarding the Colorado River is not just about protecting our city's water supply but also about ensuring the future viability of the Southwest. This decision reinforces our commitment to sustainable water management and builds on a long history of collaboration with our partners across the state."<br><br>This initiative is part of the larger Lower Colorado Conservation and Efficiency Program funded by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, designed to incentivize water users to conserve water to protect Lake Mead from catastrophic risks.<br><br>"This agreement represents a significant step towards long-term water sustainability in the region," said Cynthia Campbell, Phoenix Water Resources Management Advisor. "By choosing to conserve our Colorado River entitlement, Phoenix is leading by example and demonstrating that we all have a role in preserving our most precious resource."<br><br>The funds received from this agreement will be allocated to the Water Services Department's Water Fund, which will support water resource portfolio augmentation and conservation programs through the Colorado River Resiliency Fund. The agreement will be active until December 31, 2025.<br></p>
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<li><p><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Q6lmraddnOk?feature=share&t=8329" target="_blank">Phoenix City Council Formal Meeting - May 31, 2023</a><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></p></li><li>
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<a href="/cityclerksite/City%20Council%20Meeting%20Files/5-31-23%20Formal%20Agenda%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">City Council Formal Meeting Agenda | May 31 | pg. 921</a>
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<p><a href="https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-announces-historic-consensus-system-conservation-proposal" target="_blank">Biden-Harris Administration Announces Historic Consensus System Conservation Proposal to Protect the Colorado River Basin</a><br></p>
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<a target="_blank" href="https://new.azwater.gov/sites/default/files/ADWR-CAP-PressStatement-CORiverProtection-052223_0.pdf">Press Statement | Colorado River protection</a>
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<br><strong>About the City of Phoenix Water Services Department</strong><br><br>The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water services to Phoenix's residents, businesses, and visitors. With a commitment to water conservation, innovation, and long-term planning, the department ensures a secure and resilient water supply for future generations. For more information, visit <a href="/waterservices" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/water</a>.<br></p>
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<strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br><br>Jimena Garrison<br>Public Information Officer<br>Water Services<br>480-390-1933<br><a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</a><br><br>Michael Gertzman<br>Senior Public Information Officer <br>Water Services<br>602-534-1209<br><a href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</a><br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
| Phoenix Water Services Dept. Hiring Event on Friday, May 12 | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/2740 | Water Services | | 5/3/2023 11:21:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2740/Hiring_Event-image3.png | | Phoenix Water Services Dept. Hiring Event on Friday, May 12 | <div class="ExternalClassE8016919F0A54AEBBE3D0C7E9CA7C23B"><html>
<p>Water is in high demand in the summer months, and more staff are needed to fill critical roles within the Phoenix Water Services Dept. team. Join the team and make a living, making a difference for the Phoenix Water Services Department.<br></p>
<p>A hiring event for the Department will take place on Friday, May 12, 2023, to fill numerous roles of within the Water/Wastewater Distribution Division and the Water Meter Division for the positions Utility Technician Trainees (UTTs) and Water Service Technicians (WSTs). <br></p>
<p>The hiring event will take place at Desert West Community Center (<a target="_blank" href="https://goo.gl/maps/BweCxCCgZz1RhAMb6">6501 W Virginia, Phoenix</a>) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. <br></p><div>
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In the morning, from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. the UTTs will be the focus, and in the afternoon from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. the WSTs
will be the focus. Interested candidates are encouraged to have a City of Phoenix application on file. Walk-in candidates can fill an application onsite with iPads or laptops that will be
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able for use. More information about positions within Phoenix Water Services Dept. can be fo
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online at <a target="_blank" href="/waterservices/employment"><strong>phoenix.gov/water/employment</strong></a><strong>. </strong>
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<strong>Who: </strong> Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection and the Water Meter Divisions </div>
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<strong>When:</strong> Friday, May 12, 2023 | 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.</div>
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<strong>Where:</strong> Desert West Community Center, <a target="_blank" href="https://goo.gl/maps/BweCxCCgZz1RhAMb6"><strong>6501 W Virginia, Phoenix</strong></a><br></div>
<div>Learn More at <strong><a target="_blank" href="/waterservices/employment">phoenix.gov/water/employment</a></strong></div>
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<div>Media Contact: <br></div>
<div>Angela Serda <br></div>
<div>Public Information Specialist </div>
<div>Cell: (623) 499-8919 (call or text) <br></div>
<div>Email: <a target="_blank" href="mailto:angela.serda@phoenix.gov"><strong>angela.serda@phoenix.gov </strong></a><br></div>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
