| Phoenix Maintains Current Drought Status, Encouraging Conservation Efforts | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/2834 | Water Services | | 8/15/2023 11:25:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2834/HooverDamJuly2023cropNR.jpg | | Phoenix Maintains Current Drought Status, Encouraging Conservation Efforts | <div class="ExternalClassC610F1CC003D46239175F4C515D07814"><html>
<div>The City of Phoenix will remain in a Stage 1 Water Alert despite today’s announcement by the United States Bureau of Reclamation to return to a <a href="https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/riverops/24ms-projections.html" target="_blank"><strong>Tier 1 Shortage</strong></a> on the Colorado River in 2024 as a result of a wet winter, which elevated water levels at Lakes Powell and Mead. <br></div>
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<div>While this favorable winter provides temporary relief to the Colorado River System, Phoenix, which receives 40% of its water from the river, is asking residents to continue conserving water due to the unpredictability of the river, prolonged drought, and climate change. </div>
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<div>Under the City’s Drought Management Plan, a<strong> </strong><a href="/waterservices/drought" target="_blank"><strong>Stage 1 Water Alert</strong></a> is declared when an insufficient supply of water appears likely due to water system or supply limitations, triggering an intensive public education and information program. Those outreach efforts will continue as the City strategically plans for future uncertainties on the Colorado River, while also evaluating alternative water resources to reduce dependency on the river. </div>
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<div>"We must continue working together as a community to conserve and sustain our water supply,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “At the City, we will keep working on substantive, sustainable development policies and investing in long-term plans, including the creation of our regional Advanced Water Purification system. While large-scale investments and policies are important, Phoenix residents can play a critical role by monitoring their water usage and saving as much as possible."</div>
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<div>Since the declaration of the Stage 1 Water Alert on June 1, 2022, the City of Phoenix has demonstrated its commitment to regional water conservation efforts by taking various actions. </div>
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<div>In May, the Phoenix City Council <a href="/newsroom/water-services/2766" target="_blank"><strong>approved an agreement</strong></a> with Reclamation, the Arizona Department of Water Resources, and Central Arizona Project to voluntarily forgo up to 50,000 acre-feet of its Colorado River entitlement each year from 2023 to 2025 in return for compensation to support water resource portfolio augmentation and conservation programs.</div>
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<div>“We must all do our part to ensure that the Colorado River remains healthy and provides the water necessary for communities," said Cynthia Campbell, Water Resources Management Advisor. “As a city, we are committed to conservation and doing our part to protect water security.”</div>
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<div>The Phoenix City Council also approved an authorization to enter a <a href="/cityclerksite/City%20Council%20Meeting%20Files/4-5-23%20Formal%20Agenda%20-%20Final.pdf" target="_blank"><strong>Memorandum of Understanding</strong></a> (MOU) with local municipal water providers to support a Regional Advanced Water Purification Facility Study and approved <a href="/newsroom/mayors-office/2782" target="_blank"><strong>Sustainable Development Water Policies</strong></a> to ensure the City keeps growing responsibly. </div>
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<div>Additionally, the Phoenix Water Services Department will soon roll out various incentive conservation programs for commercial and residential properties, including toilet and turf replacement incentives. </div>
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<div>“We ask Phoenix Water customers to continue embracing conservation efforts as the utility proactively responds to climate changes,” said Phoenix Water Director Troy Hayes. “In the future, we anticipate more seasonal fluctuations, requiring us to adapt to prolonged wet or dry periods. Our goal remains the same, to produce clean, safe, reliable water to our customers.” </div>
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<div>When it comes to water conservation, some of the simplest steps start at home. Up to 70% of water use occurs outdoors, so it’s important to check for leaks and avoid overwatering grass and plants. In the summer, grass and plants need to be watered during the cooler parts of the day a maximum of twice a week, and in the winter, only once a week. </div>
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<div>Learn more water conservation tips: <a href="/waterservices/bewatersmart" target="_blank"><strong>phoenix.gov/bewatersmart</strong></a><strong>. </strong></div>
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<strong>Media Contacts:</strong>
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<div>Jimena Garrison</div>
<div>Public Information Officer</div>
<div>Water Services</div>
<div>480-390-1933</div>
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<a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong>
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<div>Michael Gertzman</div>
<div>Sr. Public Information Officer <br></div>
<div>Water Services<br></div>
<div>602-534-1209</div>
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<a href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</strong>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
| Phoenix Water Staff Takes Home Multiple Awards at AZ Water Association Conference | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/2817 | Water Services | | 7/25/2023 7:25:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2817/Tech_Award_Photo_NR_Sized.jpg | | Phoenix Water Staff Takes Home Multiple Awards at AZ Water Association Conference | <div class="ExternalClassA15C4B962DE3465EB681D5AB368763D0"><html>
<div>Several Phoenix Water Dept. staff members and projects received special recognition at the AZ Water Association's annual conference held in May. AZ Water Association is a local non-profit with the mission to “advocate for Arizona’s water through bold leadership, connecting professionals, providing education, and inspiring environmental stewardship.”<br></div>
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<strong>SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM OF THE YEAR: CONSERVATION TEAM </strong>
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<div>The team, led by Dr. Max Wilson, consists of seven staff members. The highlights of the team’s work included the launch of several programs, including a Commercial Public/Private Cooling Tower Revolving Loan program, HOA and Business Efficiency Checkups, Water Waste Door Hangers, and Water Wrangler’s volunteers’ program that has inducted 18 volunteers into the program since Fall 2022. Other conservation efforts for the public include the future launch of high-efficiency toilet and smart controller rebates, off-the-shelf xeriscape plans, landscaper outreach, non-functional turf removal, and home water audits.</div>
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<div>In collaboration with the City of Phoenix Planning and Development Dept., the Water Conservation Team led the development of conservation related stipulations for two large developments in North Phoenix, including a commitment to certify 100% of homes to EPA WaterSense Homes standards. These stipulations have become the core of the City’s Sustainable Desert City Development Policy, which was unanimously adopted by the Phoenix City Council on June 13, 2023. This policy will develop standard water conservation related stipulations for all rezoning cases and direct staff to codify these water saving practices into City Code and Ordinances. </div>
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<div>Contact information: <a href="mailto:conservation@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>conservation@phoenix.gov</strong></a><strong> </strong></div>
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<strong>WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECT: 23RD AVE WWTP GRIT REPLACEMENT PROJECT </strong>
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<div>The 23rd Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant detritor grit system, located at the north area of the plant, was replaced by a new grit stacked tray vortex system during the period of 2021-2022. </div>
<div>Project Highlights Include:</div>
<div>• The new grit stacked tray vortex system only utilizes gravity to force grit the out of the process stream.</div>
<div>• The performance fro m the new system surpasses older technologies by achieving 95% removal of all grit large than 75 microns.<br></div>
<div>• The gravity-based process excels with lower power consumption.</div>
<div>• The high level of grit collection achieved by the stacked trays has a snowballing effect for processes downstream. Grit abrasiveness and grit accumulation are problematic. Maintenance due to grit related issues are expected to decrease.</div>
<div>• To provide City Programmers with full process flexibility, all process logic resides centrally in the plant’s SCADA system. <br></div>
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<strong>WASTEWATER SYSTEM PROJECT: NW MASTERPLAN</strong> </div>
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<div>The City of Phoenix Water Services Dept. began working with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in late 2019. In 2020, the director of Water Services Dept. went to Taiwan and met with TSMC representatives. City of Phoenix staff have been in regular meetings with TSMC representatives, consultants and suppliers since September 2020.</div>
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<div>The Water Services Department has provided critical support to TSMC Development in the following areas:</div>
<div>• Plan, design, construct and operate $70 million in new wastewater infrastructure on an extremely short timeline in the Biscuit Flat area to support TSMC development, including a 40 Million Gallon per Day (MGD) Lift Station and over 12,000 ft (2.5 miles) of large diameter sewer mains.</div>
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<div>Some highlighted achievements include: </div>
<div>• Constructed two 108” tunnels underneath Interstate 17 (I-17) for water and sewer lines. The tunnels were constructed using a tunneling machine.</div>
<div>• Wastewater sewer line infrastructure was completed on time and within budget</div>
<div>• Wastewater lift station operational and undergoing modifications to allow for discharge to the south in addition to the lines to the east</div>
<div>• Incorporating wastewater treatment engineering considerations as well as federal and local regulations into Industrial Pretreatment Permit limits<br></div>
<div>• Reviewing and approving a new type and model of interim compliance sampling device</div>
<div>• Ensure appropriate legal authority is in place for the protection of the City’s Wastewater Collection and Treatment System given the unprecedented impact that TSMC could have with the large volume of discharge and pollutants of concern </div>
<div>• This is the largest discharger of wastewater that the City of Phoenix’s Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) has permitted to date </div>
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<strong>GIMMICKS AND GADGETS - RENEWABLE ENERGY: MIKE VEGA </strong>
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<div>Mike Vega, a senior water quality inspector, developed a solar charging station for auto-sampler batteries. The idea was for safety, not free power. The building is over 30 years old and does not have a room with proper ventilation for charging batteries safely. The solar charging unit provides safe and cost-free energy. The unit charges the batteries faster than the electrical charging stations and charge three batteries at the same time. The fabrication took eight hours, and the solar panels and metal framing were repurposed items and the only cost was the two solar charge controllers at $40 each. </div>
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<strong>ELECTRICIAN OF THE YEAR: ERIC DAVIS </strong>
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<div>Eric Davis received this year’s Electrician of the Year Award at the AZ Water Association Annual Conference. Eric has been with the City of Phoenix Water Services Dept. for seven years. During this time, he became the lead electrician at the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, leading a crew of six electricians and an apprentice. Every day, Eric’s work ethic is evident and sets the pace for how the electricians respond to urgent calls, work orders, projects, and assignments. These are all handled promptly from start to completion with the highest regard for excellent customer service, safety, and minimal impact on plant processes. Eric constantly seeks growth opportunities for his teammates and contributes to tackling the ever-changing needs of working at one of the largest wastewater treatment plants in the Southwest region. His efforts have created a team mentality among his peers, who all work to support, assist, and care for each other. Eric supports the other electricians in their job assignments and is always available to answer any questions, give suggestions, and recognize where it is warranted and deserved. Congratulations, Eric!</div>
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<strong>LAB-CHEMIST TECHNICIAN: RUTH HALDEMAN </strong>
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<div>Ruth Haldeman, received this year’s Laboratory Analyst of the Year Award at the AZ Water Association Annual Conference. Ruth, chemist II at the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, takes on many research projects and helps the operational staff optimize processes and solve treatment problems. Her ability to innovate and create solutions for technical issues is impressive, and she trains her staff to assess and tackle these assignments. Ruth has developed personal and professional relationships with operations staff and management at 91st Ave. This helps the lab and plant work together and build trust. Congratulations, Ruth!<br></div>
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<div>Media Contact: </div>
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<div>Angela Serda </div>
<div>Public Information Specialist </div>
<div>Cell: (623) 499-8919 (call or text) </div>
<div>Email: <a href="mailto:angela.serda@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>angela.serda@phoenix.gov</strong></a><strong> </strong> <br></div>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
| 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>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
