| Phoenix Water Services Department Ensures Compliance with EPA's Lead and Copper Rule | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3269 | Water Services | | 11/6/2024 3:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3269/NEWSROOM_Lead Copper Rule Revisions.png | | Phoenix Water Services Department Ensures Compliance with EPA's Lead and Copper Rule | <div class="ExternalClass53187A4F0837413B890587D25AF542D6"><html>
<p>The Phoenix Water Services Department is committed to safeguarding the health of its residents by complying with the <a href="https://pipes.phoenix.gov/" target="_blank"><strong>Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) updated Lead and Copper Rule (LCR)</strong></a><strong>.</strong> The City is working diligently to identify and mitigate any potential sources of lead in its water infrastructure, ensuring that residents continue to have access to safe and clean drinking water.<br></p>
<p>As part of the<a href="https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/revised-lead-and-copper-rule" target="_blank"> <strong>Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR)</strong></a><strong>,</strong> the City of Phoenix is required to inventory all water service lines, focusing on those installed before 1988, when lead pipe use was prohibited. The inventory will assess and categorize water service lines, including identifying those made from lead or galvanized material requiring replacement (GRR). The City submitted this comprehensive inventory of over 480,000 waterline services to the <a href="https://azdeq.gov/LeadCopperRule" target="_blank"><strong>Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)</strong></a> by October 16, 2024, as per federal requirements.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>Key Components of Phoenix Water's LCR Compliance:</strong>
</p>
<ol style="" class="" dir="">
<li>
<strong>Proactive Field Investigations: </strong>Since 2021, Phoenix Water has conducted over 250,000 field investigations and found no evidence of lead service lines. The City remains committed to confirming the status of any service lines listed as "unknown" and ensuring the safety of its water distribution system.<br><br></li>
<li>
<strong>Service Line Inventory Submission:</strong> Phoenix Water submitted a complete inventory of all service lines to ADEQ in October 2024. This inventory is a critical step in the City's ongoing efforts to comply with the updated EPA requirements.<br><br></li>
<li>
<strong>Notification to Residents: </strong>Starting in late 2024, Phoenix residents with GRR service lines, as well as those with service lines classified as "unknown," will receive direct notifications by mail. <strong>No existing lead service lines have been found in the City of Phoenix, but notification will be provided if any are identified.</strong> The City will also launch an online resource at pipes.phoenix.gov, where residents can access information about their service line material and stay updated on the City's lead service line replacement efforts.<br><br></li>
<li>
<strong>Health Education and Support:</strong> The City is dedicated to educating the public on the health risks associated with lead in drinking water. All communication will include information on health effects, steps to reduce exposure, and opportunities for service line replacement.</li>
</ol>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>
<strong>Looking Ahead:</strong> Phoenix Water will begin replacing any service lines identified as GRR or lead through a planned replacement program starting in 2025. The City will collaborate with federal, state, and local partners to secure funding for this effort, leveraging grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support this initiative.<br></p>
<p>"As a city, we've been proactive in maintaining the highest standards for water quality. While we have found no lead service lines so far, our commitment to safety and transparency remains strong," said Troy Hayes, Director of Phoenix Water Services. "We will continue to prioritize the health of our residents as we comply with the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule."<br></p>
<p>For more information on Phoenix Water's compliance with the Lead and Copper Rule and the upcoming service line replacement program, visit <a href="https://pipes.phoenix.gov/" target="_blank"><strong>pipes.phoenix.gov.</strong></a><br></p>
<p>
<strong>RELATED LINKS:</strong>
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/revised-lead-and-copper-rule" target="_blank">
<strong>https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/revised-lead-and-copper-rule</strong>
</a>
</p>
<p>
<a href="https://azdeq.gov/LeadCopperRule" target="_blank">
<strong>https://azdeq.gov/LeadCopperRule</strong>
</a>
<br>
</p>
<p>
<strong>Media Contacts:</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>Michael Gertzman<br></p>
<p>Sr. Public Information Officer <br></p>
<p>Water Services<br></p>
<p>602-534-1209</p>
<p>
<a href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</strong>
</a>
<br>
</p>
<p>Jimena Garrison</p>
<p>Public Information Officer</p>
<p>Water Services<br></p>
<p>480-390-1933<br></p>
<p>
<a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong>
</a>
<br>
</p>
<p>
<strong>About Phoenix Water Services:</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>Phoenix Water Services provides high-quality, reliable water to the City of Phoenix, serving over 1.7 million residents. The department is committed to maintaining water quality, promoting sustainability, and ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.<br></p>
<p>
<br>
</p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
| Phoenix Introduces New Residential Grass Removal Incentive to Promote Water Conservation | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3259 | Water Services | | 10/30/2024 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3259/Newsroom_Grass-Incentives2.png | | Phoenix Introduces New Residential Grass Removal Incentive to Promote Water Conservation | <div class="ExternalClass969193966D7C4D38B6C4FBA2520FF25B"><html>
<p></p>
<p>Phoenix Water Services has launched a new program offering financial assistance to homeowners who replace their lawns with water-efficient, desert-adapted landscapes. The initiative encourages residents to reduce outdoor water use by receiving $2 per square foot for removing grass. This effort not only conserves water but could also help residents save money on their water bills. It’s part of the City's broader commitment to sustainable urban living in a desert climate.<br></p>
<p>The <a href="/waterservices/residential-grass-incentives" target="_blank"><strong>Residential Grass Removal Program</strong></a> is open to Phoenix Water Services customers who own their homes and meet the eligibility requirements. Homeowners must remove at least 250 square feet of living grass to be eligible for the financial incentive. The program also provides access to educational resources and workshops to help participants design water-wise landscapes. By choosing drought-tolerant plants, homeowners can significantly reduce their outdoor water consumption and cut back on yard maintenance.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>Key Highlights of the Incentive Program:</strong>
<br>
</p>
<ul style="" class="" dir="">
<li>Receive $2 per square foot for removing at least 250 square feet of grass.</li>
<li>Grass must be alive and healthy at a minimum of 75% density of the area to be removed.</li>
<li>Access to educational workshops for landscape design assistance.</li>
<li>Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.</li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>"Converting traditional grass lawns to desert landscaping is one of the most effective ways to conserve water in Phoenix," said Cynthia Campbell, Water Resources Management Advisor. "This program allows homeowners to enhance the beauty of their yards while reducing water usage and contributing to the City's conservation goals. It's a win-win for both residents and the environment."<br></p>
<p>
<strong>Additional Residential Water Conservation Incentives</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>In addition to the grass removal incentive, Phoenix Water Services offers up to $75 for the installation of <a href="/waterservices/toilet-and-irrigationcontroller-incentives" target="_blank"><strong>WaterSense-labeled high-efficiency toilets and smart irrigation controllers</strong></a><strong>.</strong> These products help conserve water by optimizing water use indoors and in landscape irrigation systems. Homeowners can combine these offerings to maximize water savings and reduce their overall utility bills.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>Non-Residential Grass Removal Program</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>The City also provides an incentive for <a href="/waterservices/nonresidentialincentives" target="_blank"><strong>non-residential customers</strong></a>, including businesses, schools, and homeowner's associations (HOAs). This program offers $2 per square foot for the removal of non-functional grass, encouraging commercial properties to switch to desert-adapted landscapes and contribute to citywide water conservation efforts.<br></p>
<p>For more information about water conservation, visit <a href="/waterservices/savewater" target="_blank"><strong>phoenix.gov/savewater.</strong></a><br></p>
<p>
<strong>Media Contacts:</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>Michael Gertzman</p>
<p>Sr. Public Information Officer <br></p>
<p>Water Services</p>
<p>602-534-1209<br></p>
<p>
<a href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</strong>
</a>
<br>
</p>
<p>Jimena Garrison</p>
<p>Public Information Officer</p>
<p>Water Services</p>
<p>480-390-1933<br></p>
<p>
<a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong>
</a>
<br>
</p>
<p></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
| Tres Rios Wetlands Prescribed Burn Planned for October | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3237 | Water Services | | 10/9/2024 3:15:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3237/TR_burn_2023.jpg | | Tres Rios Wetlands Prescribed Burn Planned for October | <div class="ExternalClassF120AB51F26F40709CA62B829A1721DF"><html>
<p>The City of Phoenix, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM), is planning to conduct a prescribed burn at the Tres Rios Wetlands in October 2024. <strong>The burn is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16</strong>, but that is subject to change depending on the weather conditions and other factors. The event is expected to produce a significant smoke plume visible in southwest Phoenix and the surrounding areas, and 91st Avenue will be closed from the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant North Gate to Baseline Road from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 91st Avenue may open sooner if safe to do so.<br></p>
<p>The primary purpose of the operation is to reduce dense vegetation and is part of the ongoing process of restoring vital riparian habitat. Fire is nature's way of providing nutrients to the soil, removing invasive species of plant life, and improving the overall health of an ecosystem.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>Why is Burning Necessary?</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>Previous attempts to mechanically maintain Tres Rios vegetation have proven to be time-consuming and cost-prohibitive. After researching alternative methods, the Phoenix Water Services Department identified prescribed burns as an optimal means to maintain the wetlands. Additionally, a prescribed burn reduces hazardous fuels, protecting surrounding communities from extreme fire.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>Why is the Burn Planned for October?</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>Per the United States Fish and Wildlife Service Tres Rios Safe Harbor Agreement, prescribed burns may be conducted from October through February to avoid impacts during the breeding season. October has been identified as the ideal time to conduct the Tres Rios Prescribed Burn, but that could change depending on weather conditions and other external factors.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>H</strong><strong>ow Big is the Burn Area?</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>One entire Tres Rios Flow Regulating Wetland (FRW) cell is allowed to be burned annually. The prescribed burn will target FRW-2 cell, which is approximately 50 acres in size, as identified in the figure below.<br></p>
<p style="text-align:center;">
<img style="margin:5px;width:200px;" alt="Aerial Photo showing area of Tres Rios to be burned" src="/waterservicessite/MediaAssets/TR_Burn_area_2024.png" />
<br>
</p>
<p>
<strong>How Will the Fire Be Extinguished?</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>After the prescribed burn is completed, a water truck will spray the perimeter of the cell to extinguish any smoldering flames. Water quality will be monitored and confirmed acceptable before the release of water from the cell to the Tres Rios Overbank Wetlands. That will include allowing sufficient time for any fire debris to settle out and completion of a water quality sampling plan.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>What is the Phoenix Fire Department's Role?</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>The Phoenix Fire Department will administer the prescribed burn with supervision from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.<br></p>
<p>The prescribed burn will also serve as a training opportunity for the Phoenix Fire Department's Wildland Urban Interface program, which will provide Phoenix firefighters with the necessary skills, certification, and experience to battle wildfires that threaten the City of Phoenix. In addition, the prescribed burn may also give the Phoenix Police Department's Firebird helicopter crew a training opportunity.<br></p>
<p>The specific training will be focused on the following certifications necessary to coordinate and fight wildfires safely and effectively:<br></p>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Wildland Firefighting 1 and 2</li>
<li>Wildland Engine Boss</li>
<li>Strike Team Leader</li>
<li>Task Team Leader</li>
<li>Incident Commander Type 4</li>
<li>Burn Boss<br></li>
<li>Drone Mapping and Incident Command integration training<br></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<strong>Who is Involved with the Prescribed Burn?</strong>
<br>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)<br></li>
<li>United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)</li>
<li>Gila River Indian Community (GRIC)</li>
<li>Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD)</li>
<li>Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ)</li>
<li>Phoenix-Goodyear Airport</li>
<li>Sky Harbor International Airport</li>
<li>Arizona Public Service (APS)<br></li>
<li>Salt River Project (SRP)</li>
<li>Emergency 911 Call Center</li>
<li>Residents and other stakeholders<br></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<strong>What are the Tres Rios Wetlands?</strong></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">The Tres Rios Wetlands receives reclaimed water from the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant and are maintained by the City of Phoenix Water Services Department. </span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">The Tres Rios Environmental Restoration project involves the rehabilitation of nearly 700 acres in and around the Salt River, restoring a vital wetland and riparian habitat. It consists of the Tres Rios Flow Regulating Wetlands (FRWs) and Tres Rios Overbank Wetlands (OBWs). They are located just west of 91st Avenue, south of Broadway Road. The Tres Rios FRWs receive treated wastewater from the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant and act as the final polishing step in the treatment process. Reclaimed water is then discharged from the FRWs to the OBWs before being conveyed back to the Salt River. The Tres Rios FRWs are closed to the public. However, the Tres Rios OBWs are open to the public through a free access permit system.</span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">The lush and scen</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">ic Tres Rios is now home to more than 150 species of birds and animals like muskrats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bobcats, and beavers. The beautiful cottonwood groves, willows, mesquites, and other desert shrubs around the reed-lined ponds and along the trail attract many migratory and wintering songbirds.</span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"><br></span></div><div><strong>Media Access</strong>:</div><div><span style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;"><br></span></div><div><span style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;">Me</span><span style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;">mbers of the med</span><span style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;">ia interested in covering the event should call or email the media contacts listed below for guidance on how to access the area. Fire experts will be available on-site for interviews. For safety reasons and to avoid disruptions to operations, we kindly ask that no drones be flown in or around the prescribed burn area.</span></div><div><span style="color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;background-color:window;"><br></span></div><div><strong>Media Contacts</strong>:<br></div><div><br></div><div>Michael Gertzman</div><div>Senior Public Information Officer<br></div><div>Phoenix Water Services Dept.</div><div>602-534-1209<br></div><div><a style="font-size:13.3333px;" href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</strong></a></div><div><br></div><div><a style="font-size:13.3333px;" href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong></strong></a>Capt. Rob McDade</div><div>Phoenix Fire Dept.</div><div>480-216-9712<br></div><div><a style="font-size:13.3333px;" href="mailto:robert.mcdade@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>r</strong><strong>obert.mcdade@phoenix.gov</strong></a><br></div>
<br></div>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
