Behind the Meter Newsletter Spring 2024

ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY NEWSLETTER SPRING 2024

A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR

There have been some important changes with respect to water resources availability as well as water quality regulation changes for the first quarter of 2024.

With respect to water resource availability, for 2024, the Federal Bureau of Reclamation declared a Tier 1 water shortage for many Colorado River Water users including Arizona. A Tier 1 water shortage means Arizona will have access to slightly more Colorado River water in 2024 than under last year’s tier 2a Shortage. The improvement is due to a combination of improved hydrology of the Colorado River headwaters in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains as well as incentivized conservation.

For 2024, Oro Valley will not see any reduction in Colorado River water deliveries, but we can expect a reduction in deliveries in future years. Fortunately, the conservation ethic of our residents will allow the Water Utility to meet the water resource needs of the community for the foreseeable future.

The graph shown exemplifies the conservation ethic of our residents. Our overall consumption of water resources is about the same as it was in 2000, yet our population has grown from nearly 33,000 residents in 2000 to nearly 48,000 residents 23-years later.

With respect to water quality regulation changes the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced regulations for Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in water systems often called “forever chemicals”. The Water Utility tested for PFAS in 2015 as required by the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 3 (UCMR). The analysis was below any detection level for PFAS, and no further action was or is required.

In February of 2024, the Water Utility began monitoring for PFAS under the UCMR 5 rules. Again, the analysis is below the detection level for PFAS, and no further action is required. The Water Utility will conduct additional testing in August per the UCMR 5 rules. Results will be provided in the 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) that will be published by June of 2025.

Looking forward,

Peter Abraham

Peter A. Abraham, P.E. | Water Utility Director

The Water Utility continues to provide water that meets or exceeds all local, state and federal regulations to our customers. The Water Utility publishes the annual CCR that reports all constituents that have been detected. The reports are available online.

Scan the QR code or visit: https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Government/Departments/ Water-Utility/Water-Quality#section-1

Peter Abraham, P.E. Water Utility Director

HOW THE ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY DELIVERS DRINKING WATER TO YOUR HOME

Do you know how the water you consume travels from the source to your tap? Take a tour through the pipes to see all the different processes it takes to bring high quality drinking water to your tap.

1. Water Production monitors, operates and maintains 45 production facilities consisting of groundwater wells, CAP wheeling stations, reservoirs, and booster stations. The utilization of complex instrumentation allows staff to operate the facilities without interruption to service. Over 3,000 preventative maintenance inspections are performed annually.

2. Water Control Systems maintain, install, and calibrate sensitive instruments that relay vital water system information to the Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition system. They also provide maintenance, repair, and inspection for all electrical equipment at production facilities.

4. Water Quality monitors for proper disinfection before entering the water distribution system. This ensures that the water supplied to consumers is safe and meets regulatory standards. Hundreds of water samples are taken monthly by Oro Valley Water Utility staff.

Access your water quality data online and view the Consumer Confidence Report. Visit orovalleyaz.gov and search for WATER QUALITY

5. Water Meter Operations serve as the frontline representative of the water utility. Technicians provide customer service support and assist with meter related issues for over 21,300 service connections. The team is involved in leak detection efforts, monitoring usage data, and integrating advanced metering infrastructure or smart metering systems for improved efficiency and data management.

3. Water Distribution provides repair and routine maintenance of:

• 390 miles of underground water pipes (main lines)

• 2,400 fire hydrants

• 9,100 water valves

• Other water distribution infrastructure

Operators’ duties may also include erosion repairs, grading, paving, concrete work, landscaping and various types of demolition, construction, and fabrication related activities.

Safe and reliable water is delivered at your home.

Potential issues related to water usage can include leaky pipes, running toilets, faulty faucets, inefficient appliances, excessive outdoor watering, faulty irrigation timers, and hidden leaks. These issues can lead to water waste, increased water bills and potential damage to your property.

Regular maintenance, like inspecting plumbing, repairing leaks promptly, upgrading to water-efficient appliances and monitoring outdoor water usage, is essential to water conservation and maintaining the integrity of your home’s plumbing system.

Monitor your water usage, set up leak alerts, and get conservation tips! Visit orovalleyaz.gov and search WATERSMART.