| City of Phoenix and Rio Reimagined Partners Invite Community to Salt River Clean-Up on Saturday, March 15 | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3379 | Water Services | | 3/11/2025 5:11:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3379/Tres Rios Newsroom.jpg | | City of Phoenix and Rio Reimagined Partners Invite Community to Salt River Clean-Up on Saturday, March 15 | <div class="ExternalClass4BEE2D9BF1534EE1A0EE3DD54E124A03"><html>
<p></p>
<p>Rio Reimagined, in collaboration with the City of Phoenix, Arizona State University, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), invites community members to participate in a Salt River clean-up event on <strong>Saturday, March 15.</strong><br></p>
<p>Phoenix Mayor<strong> Kate Gallego</strong> and District 7 Councilmember <strong>Carlos Galindo-Elvira</strong> will join Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Waste Programs Division Deputy Director <strong>Ana Vargas</strong> to deliver welcoming remarks at <strong>8:30 a.m</strong>. before volunteers embark on a <strong>two-hour clean-up mission</strong> to restore and beautify the riverbed.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>Event Details:</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>
<strong>WHEN: </strong>Saturday, March 15 at 8:30 a.m.<br></p>
<p><strong>WHERE</strong>: 6000 South 91st Avenue, Tolleson, Arizona – in the Salt Riverbed, adjacent to the Tres Rios Wetlands, 1.25 miles south of Broadway Road. Parking is available on the west side of 91st Avenue between Broadway and Baseline. (<a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/BXYeq3pt9VxeKs4U9" target="_blank"><strong>MAP</strong></a>)<br></p>
<p><strong>WHO: </strong>Open to volunteers ages <strong>8 and up</strong> (participants under 15 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).<br></p>
<p>
<a href="https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=830206&" target="_blank"><strong>Volunteer Sign-up Form</strong></a>
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</p>
<p>
<strong>Why This Matters:</strong>
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</p>
<p>The clean-up site, located west of 91st Avenue along the Salt River and adjacent to the renowned <strong>Tres Rios Wetlands</strong>, has been impacted by illegal dumping. This initiative provides an opportunity for community members to come together and contribute directly to the revitalization of the Salt River, reinforcing a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.<br></p>
<p><strong>Additional Partner Support:</strong><br></p>
<p>Additional support for this event is provided by Waste Management, Keep Phoenix Beautiful, and Corazon Latino, who share a commitment to protecting and restoring Arizona’s natural landscapes.<br></p>
<p><strong>MEDIA RSVP:</strong><br></p>
<p>Media interested in attending should RSVP to Michael Gertzman at <a href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</strong></a> or 602-534-1209.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>About City of Phoenix Water Services Department</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>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="https://phoenix.gov/water" target="_blank"><strong>phoenix.gov/water.</strong></a><br></p>
<p>
<strong>About Rio Reimagined </strong>
</p>
<p>Initiated in 2017 at the request of the late <strong>U.S. Senator John McCain</strong>, Rio Reimagined is a long-term river revitalization initiative facilitated by <strong>Arizona State University.</strong> The project fosters collaboration between public agencies, tribal nations, and local communities to reimagine and restore the Valley’s Salt and Gila River corridor. Recognized as the <strong>20th location of the Urban Waters Federal Partnership</strong> in 2020, Rio Reimagined focuses on sustainable development and community engagement to shape the future of this important Arizona waterway. For more information, visit <a href="https://rioreimagined.org/" target="_blank"><strong>rioreimagined.org</strong></a>.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>About Arizona State University </strong>
</p>
<p>Arizona State University has developed a new model for the American Research University, creating an institution that is committed to access, excellence and impact. ASU measures itself by those it includes, not by those it excludes. As the prototype for a New American University, ASU pursues research that contributes to the public good, and ASU assumes major responsibility for the economic, social and cultural vitality of the communities that surround it. For more information, visit<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.asu.edu/" target="_blank"><strong>asu.edu</strong></a>.<br></p>
<p>
<strong>About ADEQ</strong>
</p>
<p>Under the Environmental Quality Act of 1986, the Arizona State Legislature established the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in 1987 as the state agency for protecting and enhancing public health and the environment of Arizona. For more information, visit <a href="https://azdeq.gov" target="_blank"><strong>azdeq.gov</strong></a><strong>.</strong><br></p>
<p>
<strong>Media Contacts:</strong>
</p>
<p><strong>Michael Gertzman</strong></p>
<p>Sr. Public Information Officer </p>
<p>Phoenix Water Services Department</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><strong>Jimena Garrison</strong><br></p>
<p>Public Information Officer</p>
<p>Phoenix Water Services Department<br></p>
<p>480-390-1933</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 |
| Annual Stormwater Awareness Campaign Encourages Residents to Help Keep Our Waterways Clean Year-round from Stormwater Pollution | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3328 | Water Services | | 1/16/2025 5:40:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3328/Stormwater 2025 Newsroom v2.png | | Annual Stormwater Awareness Campaign Encourages Residents to Help Keep Our Waterways Clean Year-round from Stormwater Pollution | <div class="ExternalClass25ABA5293D0D442FBD8C72C7DF13948C"><html>
<p>The Water Services Dept. Environmental & Safety Division invites you to learn about the City of Phoenix Stormwater Management Program during the <strong>Annual Stormwater Awareness Week on Jan. 20-26, 2025.</strong> Stormwater Awareness Week is an annual regional effort to teach simple everyday actions to reduce stormwater pollution.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> </span></p>
<p></p>
<p>
<strong>
<em>What is Stormwater Pollution?</em>
</strong>
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</p>
<p>In Phoenix, stormwater is rainwater that flows over roads and through gutters and does not soak into the ground. This stormwater enters our storm drainpipes, which carry the water to protected surface waters like the Salt River or Skunk Creek. Unlike water we use to flush our toilets, stormwater does not go to a treatment plant. It flows from the storm drains untreated right into rivers and washes. <br></p>
<p>As stormwater flows across areas like roads and parking lots and into our storm drains, it can pick up pollutants like oil and pet waste and carry them into our washes and rivers. This creates significant water quality challenges. Because pollutants can enter surface waters through our storm drain system, the city is required to have a Clean Water Act MS4 permit from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to operate that system. <br></p>
<p>
<strong>
<em>What the City does to prevent Stormwater Pollution?</em>
</strong>
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</p>
<p>Several Phoenix departments work together to support the MS4 permit through the Stormwater Management Program including Phoenix Water Services, Office of Planning and Development, Office of Environmental Programs, and the Street Transportation Dept. <br></p>
<p>In 2024, the program added storm drain management tools and a database to help manage this complex permit, which uses infrastructure of 760 outfalls where rain flows, 80 of which are located along the Salt River. Additionally, a new stormwater post-construction program required by the permit allows owner-led inspections to minimize staffing costs. </p>
<p>"Stormwater Awareness Week encourages our community members to take everyday actions to help protect the quality of our water,” said Berai Kimball, Deputy Water Services Director. “With our separate systems for stormwater and wastewater, it’s important to remember that stormwater doesn’t get treated and flows directly to nearby washes and retention basins, infiltrating the soil, making it imperative that we work daily to keep our water system clean.”</p>
<p>
<em>
<strong>How can residents participate in Stormwater Awareness Week?</strong>
</em>
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</p>
<p>Since the campaign's initial launch in 2019, more Valley municipalities and government agencies have participated in the weeklong event. We are encouraging the public to get involved by taking steps to reduce stormwater pollution by learning more at our <a href="https://cityofphoenix.webex.com/weblink/register/rf4432881ec344b42e9dd7b602165d251" target="_blank"><strong>Virtual Workshop</strong></a> which is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 22, at noon to discuss the City’s Stormwater Management Program and our activities to reduce stormwater pollution. Attendees are required to <a href="https://cityofphoenix.webex.com/weblink/register/rf4432881ec344b42e9dd7b602165d251" target="_blank"><strong>Register</strong></a> in advance to participate.<br></p>
<p>Simple actions to reduce stormwater pollution include: <br></p>
<ul style="" class="" dir="">
<li><p>Properly disposing of trash, recyclables, and chemicals like detergent, paint, medications, etc.</p></li><li><p><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Recycling motor oil and maintaining your vehicle to prevent leak
s</span></p></li>
<li><p>
Cleaning up after your pet
</p></li>
<li><p>
Using lawn chemicals sparingly and always following manufacturers’ directions
</p></li>
<li><p>
Properly disposing of lefto
ver paint and household chemicals at a household hazardous waste event <br>
</p></li>
<li><p>
And please remember - only rain in the storm drain
</p></li>
</ul>
<p></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 <a href="/waterservices/envservices/stormwater-program" target="_blank">phoenix.gov/stormwater.</a>
</p>
<p></p>
<p>Media Contact:<br></p>
<p>
<strong>Jimena Garrison</strong>
</p>
<p>Senior Public Information Officer <br></p>
<p>Water Services<br></p>
<p>Cell: 480-390-1933 (call or text) </p>
<p>E-mail: <a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong></a></p>
<p>
<strong>Angela Serda</strong>
<br>
</p>
<p>Public Information Specialist<br></p>
<p>Water Services</p>
<p>Cell: 623-499-8919 (call or text) </p>
<p>E-mail: <a href="mailto:angela.serda@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>angela.serda@phoenix.gov</strong></a><br></p>
<p>
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</p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
| 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 |
