PHOENIX WATER SERVICES
AUGUST 2026
IN THIS ISSUE Colorado River Update New Training Center Celebrate National Water Quality Month Save the Date: Thank a Water Hero Day Strategic Initiatives Store Opening Aug. 17
COLORADO RIVER UPDATE: PHOENIX PREPARED FOR POTENTIAL CUTS The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released a preferred framework for managing the Colorado River after 2026. The proposal could result in significant reductions to Lower Basin states, including Arizona. While Phoenix has concerns that the framework places a disproportionate burden on Arizona and other Lower Basin users, the announcement does not immediately change water service or impose mandatory restrictions on Phoenix customers. Phoenix has spent decades preparing for reduced Colorado River supplies through conservation, underground water storage, recovery wells, the Drought Pipeline Project and investments in renewable supplies such as Pure Water Phoenix. These efforts place the City in a strong position to manage anticipated near-term reductions while continuing to provide safe, reliable water. Phoenix remains in Stage 1 of its Drought Management Plan. As federal operating guidelines are finalized, City water experts will continue evaluating potential impacts, planning for future investments and encouraging efficient water use throughout the community. Learn more >
PURE WATER PHOENIX & PURE WATER ARIZONA
PROGRAM OF THE YEAR The Pure Water Phoenix and Pure Water Arizona partnership was recognized as the “Program of the Year” at this year’s Arizona WateReuse Symposium in Flagstaff. The City of Phoenix is making major investments in long-term water security, starting with the Cave Creek Road Water Reclamation Plant, which will be the site of the first Advanced Water Purification Facility in the City. This facility is on track to serve drinking water as early as 2029.
This program will also include two other facilities, including a proposed regional project that will ultimately produce up to 64 million gallons of water per day.
This endeavor expands beyond the City's boundaries. Pure Water Arizona is designed to be scalable — built on guiding principles of collaboration, engagement, stewardship, and inclusivity. Partners like the City of Tucson have been instrumental in regional outreach efforts that support water reuse projects.
Watch the Video >
OUR ACTIONS
PROTECT ARIZONA WATER QUALITY
August is National Water Quality Month, a reminder that everyone plays a role in protecting Phoenix’s waterways. Clean water is essential for drinking, cooking, recreation, and sustaining wildlife, and its protection has been shaped by landmark environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. Building on these foundations, the Environmental Protection Agency, with support from the United Nations, established National Water Quality Month in 2005 to encourage communities to stay engaged in safeguarding water resources. In Phoenix, several departments work together to maintain high water quality and a healthy environment. The Environmental & Safety Division conducts extensive drinking water testing, and the City performs more than five million water tests each year, ensuring water meets all federal and state standards and sharing results through the annual Water Quality Report. The Stormwater Section monitors stormwater, collects samples, and implements programs that reduce pollution, while the Office of Environmental Programs promotes green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens and swales. These coordinated efforts help address growing challenges, including industrial pollutants, stormwater runoff, pesticides, aging infrastructure, and everyday household habits. Residents can support clean water through simple daily actions, like properly disposing of household chemicals, picking up pet waste, and keeping yard debris out of streets and gutters. As we observe National Water Quality Month, it’s a chance to appreciate our freshwater resources and commit to protecting them. By working together as households, neighborhoods, and communities, we help ensure healthy ecosystems, resilient cities, and a sustainable water future for generations to come. Protecting water quality is a shared responsibility and small steps make a big difference.
A CLEANER ARIZONA STARTS WITH YOU.
Small actions. Cleaner water. Stronger communities.
NEW WATER TRAINING FACILITY INVESTS IN OUR MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCE – OUR PEOPLE A new chapter in employee development is taking shape near the Union Hills Water Treatment Plant. The Water Training Facility is being built to provide Phoenix Water employees with a safe, hands-on environment where new utility technicians can develop the skills and confidence they need before working in the field. Designed by employees for employees, the training facility features realistic water distribution infrastructure that allows staff to practice installing and repairing water mains, operating valves and hydrants, setting meters, using specialized equipment and mastering essential field procedures, all in a controlled setting. The facility
will also support commercial driver’s license (CDL) training and provide classroom instruction that complements hands-on learning. What makes this project especially meaningful is the people behind it. Water Distribution employees, trainers and subject matter experts have played a significant role in planning, designing and building the facility, sharing decades of institutional knowledge to create a lasting resource for future generations of Phoenix Water employees. "Our employees built this program, developed the curriculum and are passing their knowledge and pride to the next generation. That’s what makes this facility so
Construction at the new training facility.
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meaningful," said Roberta Santos, Water Training Superintendent. The new training facility reflects our commitment to safety, continuous learning and operational excellence. By providing realistic, repeatable training before employees respond to live customer calls, we’re helping build a stronger, safer and more prepared workforce— one that will continue delivering exceptional service to our community for years to come. Stay tuned for future updates as construction continues and additional training areas come online.
Trainees install a tap (or service) clamp.
THIS MONSOON SEASON
HELP PROTECT PHOENIX’S STORMWATER! Stay ready, Phoenix - monsoon season is still here! While we all love a good lightning show and the dramatic desert downpours, those powerful storms bring more than Instagram‑worthy skies. As rain rushes across streets, parking lots, and driveways, it picks up everything in its path: oil, fertilizers, pesticides, trash, pet waste, and other debris and sends it straight into our stormwater system. This runoff flows directly into the City’s stormwater system. Because stormwater in the Valley is not treated, anything present on the ground can be transported into washes, canals, rivers, and retention or detention basins. Ways to Prevent Stormwater Pollution: Scoop, bag, and toss pet waste…every time! Sweep up yard debris and keep it out of the streets. Pick up stray litter when you see it. Fix leaky cars before the next storm turns drips into pollutants.
Preventing Drainage Blockages Heavy rainfall can overwhelm the system especially when culverts, catch basins, and drainage grates are blocked with leaves, trash, or sediment. When water can’t flow, flooding can follow.
Help prevent drainage blockages by: Keeping culverts and drains near your home clear of trash and vegetation. Disposing of yard waste in your garbage bin, not in the street. Reporting clogged storm drains to 602‑262‑6441.
Let’s continue the monsoon season the Phoenix way by staying storm‑smart, flood‑aware, and ready to protect our environment with every rainfall. After all, every clean street leads to a cleaner city!
S A VE THE DATE
SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 Thank a Water Hero Day was established in September 2020 to recognize Water Services Department employees for their essential service to the community. The tradition continues today, honoring nearly 1,500 employees who work around the clock to provide safe, reliable water and wastewater services. From treatment plant operators, laboratory staff and field crews to engineers, customer service
representatives, maintenance teams and administrative professionals, every employee plays an important role in protecting public health and serving Phoenix. During the week of Sept. 21–25, members of the leadership team will visit major operational facilities and present a commemorative item as a token of appreciation for the dedication and service of our Water Heroes.
X ES
P A W
H TE OE NI O R HER
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES STORE OPENING AUG. 17 The City of Phoenix Strategic Initiatives Store opens Monday, August 17, offering new 2026 apparel that supports key community awareness campaigns such as Paint Phoenix Purple, Let’s Talk Teal, Teen Dating Violence Awareness, Human Trafficking Awareness, and Fast‑Track Cities. Every purchase helps strengthen outreach and education efforts across these important areas. The store will remain open through Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 11:00 p.m., and orders will be available for pick‑up at City Hall (18th floor) September 28–30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please review sizing carefully. All sales are final. Scan the QR code or visit the store link to browse items and show your support.
MARYVALE YOUTH LEADERSHIP GROUP On Tuesday, July 28, students from the Maryvale Youth Leadership Group visited the Water Services Department during a City Hall tour to learn how the department provides drinking water to more than 1.7 million customers and wastewater service to 2.5 million customers across metropolitan Phoenix. Water Conservation staff member Ginny Svec provided an excellent overview of the Department, while mascots Wayne Drop and Loo Poo made a fun and unexpected appearance.
Assistant Water Services Director Nazario Prieto also shared closing remarks with the students, encouraging them to consider careers in the water industry. The Maryvale Youth Leadership Group is part of the Maryvale Leadership Association and is now entering its fifth year of operation. The program includes teens from the Maryvale community who participate year-round in leadership development, civic engagement, neighborhood improvement projects, volunteerism, and community-building efforts.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE READING RECAP
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, staff members from across the City took part in a live reading of the Declaration of Independence on Wednesday, July 8. Thank you to WSD Staff members Roberta Santos and Waleed Alani for representing the department.
AZ WATER AWARDS
Congratulations to the Phoenix Water employees and projects recognized at the 2026 AZ Water Conference.
Christie O’Day City of Phoenix Pretreatment Inspector of the Year-Large System
Javier Granillo City of Phoenix Electrician of the Year – Small System
Ryan Malleck City of Phoenix Electrician of the Year – Large System
APRIL 2026
Jeff Chandler City of Phoenix Operator of the Year, Treatment Plant – Large Wastewater System
24th St. Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation Water Treatment Project of the Year
Safety Awards 23rd Ave Wastewater Treatment Plant 24th ST Water Treatment Plant Environmental & Safety Division Compliance Group Environmental & Safety Division Laboratory Services Group Environmental & Safety Division Stormwater Group Environmental & Safety Division Water & Wastewater Monitoring Group Lake Pleasant Water Treatment Plant Union Hills Water Treatment Plant Utility Locating Wastewater Collection Division East Yard Wastewater Collection Division Lift Station Wastewater Collection Division North Yard Water Distribution Division Campbell Yard Water Meter Division Area 2 Water Meter Division Area 3
AZ WATER AWARDS
APRIL 2026
City of Phoenix Water Services Future Leaders Degree Program Nathan Burbank Environmental Educator AwardOrganization
Mike Jankunus Operations Leader of the Year - Water
SERVICE AWARDS
Hector Lepur 30 Years of Service
Johnny Solomon 30 Years of Service
Andrea Cooper 35 Years of Service
Congratulations to Hector Lepur, Utility Supervisor (30 years), Johnny Solomon, O&M Supervisor (30 years) and Andrea Cooper, Water Services Project Coordinator (35 years), for their decades of service to the City of Phoenix. Water Services Director Brandy Kelso honored these milestones at their facilities. The City of Phoenix and the Water Services Department have benefited tremendously from their dedicated service. Thank you for all that you do to serve our community!
THANK YOU!
IN THE NEWS
Phoenix Water Services Department experts regularly share their knowledge and insights with the community through various media engagements. These efforts ensure that the public stays informed about water-related topics. Last month's coverage included Colorado River planning, a TSMC-funder water conservation project, and a regional water sharing proposal.
TSMC Arizona Grant Funds WaterSaving Upgrades at Two Phoenix Parks Colorado River water managers “wait with bated breath” for federal management plan due this week
Could Arizona communities share water during shortages? Phoenix is taking the first step
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY PROMOTED EMPLOYEES! Aaron Churchill Cecilia Alcantar-Chavez Gabriel Alvarado Nikolus Bivens Erik Gray Basheer Abu Harb Jarvis Hendrix Jonathan Heyland Jonathan Levari
Isaiah Nandin Benjamin Oglesby Jonathan Peyton Eric Quick Urshel Ronan Steven Sanabria Daniel Snyder Diego Valencia Kevin York
WELCOME NEW EMPLOYEES TO WATER! Angelica Bermudez Jarrod Croteau Andrea Fierro John Garcia Lisa Hernandez Adrienne Jones
William Kroll David Leffers Jeremiah Munoz Adrian Perez Rodrigo Rodriguez Oscar Rodriguez
Dayana Rosas Jason Skinner Brandon Smith Aaron Torres Jared Wilfong
K R O W R ! U S E O I Y R A S ON R E V I N AN 35 YEARS
20 YEARS
10 YEARS
Randal Tafoya
Baras Buloh Raymon Cruz Manuel De La Trinidad Alan Jones Mark Service David Solis Phu Tran
Dick Borja Timothy Cull Frank DeSantis Krystal Drysdale Nikolas Hopson Demetrie Jacobs, Sr. Alex Macias Samuel Max Daniel Reyes Daniel Smith Cynthia Squillace
30 YEARS Steven Trejo, Jr.
25 YEARS Erik Grau
15 YEARS Cherilyn Graham
5 YEARS Vivian Covarrubias Robert Hawthorne Esteban Rodriguez James Skala Ryan Wills
CONNECT
COMMUNITY EDUCATION & OUTREACH WATER SERVICES DEPARTMENT DAVID CERULL Public Information Specialist david.cerull@phoenix.gov JIMENA GARRISON Public Information Officer jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov MICHAEL GERTZMAN Senior Public Information Officer michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov ANGELA SERDA Public Information Specialist angela.serda@phoenix.gov PEGGY TAYLOR Graphic Designer peggy.taylor@phoenix.gov
Phoenix City Hall 200 W. Washington St., 9th floor Phoenix, AZ 85003
FIND US ON INSIDE PHOENIX AT INSIDEPHX/DEPTS/WSD
PHOENIX.GOV/WATER
/PHXWATER