City of Phoenix to Launch Inaugural Stormwater Awareness Week | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/841 | Water Services | | 1/13/2020 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/841/80130818_2493578734086526_2119396752317480960_o.png | | City of Phoenix to Launch Inaugural Stormwater Awareness Week | <div class="ExternalClass70182105A89B482C98E7DA152DB115BB"><html>
<p><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">With an unusually wet winter underway, Phoenix Water Services is kicking off the new year with a focus on stormwater pollution prevention. The utility's first-ever Stormwater Awareness Week is set for January 20 – 26. </span>
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<p>A number of Arizona cities and organizations will join Phoenix for this regional effort to educate the public about the importance of preserving stormwater quality for the environment and future generations.<br></p>
<p>“As the fifth largest city in the nation, we have the ability to reach a lot of people with this important campaign," says Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “We hope Stormwater Awareness Week will not only educate, but also motivate folks to make smart choices when it comes to preserving the quality of stormwater in our desert city." <br></p>
<p>Stormwater picks up pollutants as it flows over rooftops, gutters, parking lots, driveways, and other paved surfaces. That polluted stormwater can work its way into storm drains, and eventually to surface water and retention areas.<br></p>
<p>“Stormwater is not treated like the wastewater from your kitchen sink or toilet – it goes directly into the environment," says Phoenix Water Services Director Kathryn Sorensen. “Our actions matter, so it is important that we take simple steps every day to prevent stormwater pollution."<br></p>
<p>Simple actions to reduce stormwater pollution include:</p>
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<li>Disposing trash, recyclables and chemicals properly like detergent, paint, medications, etc.</li>
<li>Recycling motor oil and maintaining your vehicle to prevent leaks</li>
<li>Cleaning up after your pet</li>
<li>Using lawn-chemicals sparingly and always following manufacturer's directions</li>
<li>Properly disposing leftover paint and household chemicals at a household hazardous waste event</li>
<li>And please remember - only rain in the storm drain <br></li>
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<p>“Everyone has a role in stormwater pollution prevention, and by taking these simple actions our efforts can go a long way in keeping our rivers clean and beautiful for generations to come," says Councilwoman Thelda Williams, chair of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee.<br></p>
<p>To learn more about the City of Phoenix Water Services Department Stormwater Awareness Week and what you can do as an individual or business to prevent stormwater pollution, please visit phoenix.gov/stormwater.<br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | | water-services | Stormwater Awareness Week | Water Dept | | | | | | Stephanie Bracken | 602-769-0717 | 602-534-1209 | | | stephanie.bracken@phoenix.gov | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/MediaContact/Attachments/30/Stephanie_Bracken.jpg | | | | | | | | PHXWater | |