PHOENIX WATER SERVICES
SEPTEMBER 2026
IN THIS ISSUE Colorado River Update Stormwater Awareness Week WAM Upgrades CSFD WSD Events NACWA Platinum Award Rate Advisory Committee Update Thank a Water Hero Day
COLORADO RIVER UPDATE: PHOENIX HAS PREPARED FOR A CHANGING RIVER
The federal government has finalized new rules for operating the Colorado River beginning in 2027, marking an important new chapter for water management across the West. Under the 2027–2028 Operating Guidelines, Colorado River deliveries to Arizona, California and Nevada will be reduced by a combined 1.25 million acrefeet each year. If the Lower Basin states implement their proposed sharing agreement, Arizona’s reduction would be 760,000 acre-feet. The decision comes as Lake Powell and Lake Mead remain at historically low levels following another extremely dry year in the Basin. For Phoenix, the reductions are significant, but they do not mean an interruption in water service. Customers can continue to expect safe, reliable drinking water. Phoenix has spent decades preparing for conditions like these through water conservation, underground water storage, groundwater-recovery infrastructure, the Drought Pipeline and investments in future supplies such as Pure Water Phoenix.
The City is now evaluating how the federal reductions will affect Phoenix’s Colorado River supplies and operations under the Drought Management Plan. As conditions change, Phoenix may rely more heavily on stored water and other backup resources while continuing to develop renewable supplies for the future. At the same time, City leaders continue to advocate for a long-term Colorado River solution that shares responsibility across the entire Basin and for additional federal support to help communities invest in the infrastructure needed to adapt to a smaller river. For Water Services employees, this moment highlights the importance of the work happening across the department every day. Whether maintaining treatment plants, repairing infrastructure, supporting customers, advancing conservation or planning the next generation of water supplies, each part of the department contributes to Phoenix’s water resilience. Phoenix prepared for this moment. Now, our work continues to protect reliable water service for today’s customers and future generations.
SEPTEMBER 21-25, 2026
ATTEND THE NATIONAL WEBINAR WITH WSD STAFF Advancing Stormwater Quality in Urban Systems: Phoenix’s Integrated Approach
SEPTEMBER 25 NOON - 1 P.M.
How You Can Help: KEEP THE STREETS FREE FROM TRASH REDUCE CHEMICAL WASTE BAG AND TRASH YARD WASTE PICK UP AFTER PETS HELP KEEP OUR WATER SOURCES CLEAN
Professional Development Hours (PDH) can be earned by attending the virtual conference. To learn more about the National Stormwater Awareness Week visit www.stormwaterawareness.org.
WAM TO WACS APPLICATION UPGRADE
A smart and reliable integration of user-friendly technology that is fully supported and will stabilize asset management, enabling smarter decisions to optimize asset life and maximize value.
WAM to WACS: Why Change? WAM is no longer supported by the vendor, and WSD Technology Services is working on a user-friendly upgrade that will go-live in FY 26/27.
What is WACS? The Oracle Utilities Work and Asset Cloud Services (WACS) is a cloud-based platform that offers an improved interface for easier use.
What Should You Expect? WACS will follow existing WAM workflows as closely as possible using a “like-for-like” approach to help make the transition easier for employees. Cybersecurity will remain a priority throughout development to support system reliability, regulatory compliance and secure asset management. Training will be provided to help with the transition.
What does it mean to me? Please visit the Project SharePoint page for more information or scan the QR code for the most up to date information. Successful change comes from all of us. If you currently use WAM, you may be contacted for your input. WAM to WACS Committee will be here to support you along the way! QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT: WSDWAMCoreTeam@phoenix.gov
SEPTEM BER 23 RD 11AM 1PM
CARNIVAL @ 9 1ST GAMES
MINI WATER BURGER BOOTH + SNOW CONES
· Cornhole · 3-legged Race · Chipping competition · Team Building (groups of 4) · Egg Toss · Water Balloons $3 for 1 or $5 for 2
H T 4 2 @ L A V I N CAR TEAM BUILDING EVENT
OCTOBER 7 TH 11AM - 1PM
MINI WATER BURGER BOOTH + SNOW CONES
30 SEPTEMBER 11AM - 1PM
TH
MINI WATER BURGER BOOTH + SNOW CONES
CARNIVAL @ 23R D GAMES
Cornhole Egg Toss Water Balloons $3 for 1 or $5 for 2 Football Toss
23RD AVENUE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EARNS SEVENTEENTH CONSECUTIVE NACWA PLATINUM AWARD For the 2025 calendar year, the 23rd Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant continued its longstanding record of excellence and environmental stewardship. This marks the facility’s seventeenth consecutive year without a single exceedance, an accomplishment that has earned the plant a Platinum Peak Performance Award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA). NACWA’s Peak Performance Awards recognize clean water agencies nationwide for outstanding compliance with federal and state discharge regulations. The Platinum designation is NACWA’s highest honor, awarded to facilities that maintain 100 percent permit compliance for at least five consecutive years. Outfall 004 operated every month and achieved complete compliance with all Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) permit limits. Additionally, Outfall 002 was active during January and February, and again from October through December of 2025, operating in full compliance throughout those periods. Congratulations to the entire team. This achievement reflects the dedication of plant operators and Environmental & Safety Division staff whose work supports safe, reliable and environmentally responsible wastewater treatment for our community.
RATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVES WATER RESOURCES UPDATE The Water/Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee (WWRAC) met Aug. 10 to receive updates on key issues shaping Phoenix Water’s planning, including Colorado River conditions, conservation and drought preparedness. Staff provided an update on the evolving federal process that will determine Colorado River operations beginning in 2027. While uncertainty remains, reductions to Lower Basin supplies underscore the importance of Phoenix’s continued investments in resilient water supplies and long-term planning. The committee also heard about conservation programs and the possibility that future water-supply conditions could move Phoenix from Stage 1 to Stage 2 in the Drought Management Plan. Staff emphasized that any change would be accompanied by clear communication to help customers understand what it means and how they can help. The discussion reinforced a central message: Phoenix continues to prepare for changing water conditions through thoughtful planning, conservation and investment in a reliable water future.
TALKING WATER WITH CITY LEADERS On Aug. 19, Dr. Max Wilson, Phoenix’s Water Resources Management Advisor, participated in the League of Arizona Cities and Towns’ Annual Conference panel, “Diversifying Arizona’s Water Portfolio in the 21st Century,” moderated by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. The discussion focused on how Arizona can strengthen its water future through a regional approach, including continued conservation, investment in local water infrastructure, instate augmentation and the development of new long-term water supplies.
SEN. KELLY’S STAFF TOURS 91ST AVENUE WWTP AND TRES RIOS On Aug. 25, staff from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly’s office visited the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant and Tres Rios Wetlands for a guided tour hosted by Water Services Department leadership. Deputy Legislative Director Joe Russell and Outreach Director Chelsea Rivas joined the tour, along with Maegan Johnson from the City’s Government Relations Office. The visit included an overview of plant operations, a walk through at Tres Rios Wetlands, and a presentation on the Advanced Water Purification process that will be implemented at the Cave Creek Road Water Reclamation Plant, an important step forward in expanding Phoenix’s future water supply.
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
SERVICE AWARD Congratulations to Randy Tafoya who celebrated 35 years of service with the City of Phoenix! Randy has been with the Water Services Department for most of that time, starting as a meter reader in 1990. After a brief period in another department, Randy returned to Water Meters and now serves as a Water Services Specialist. Thank you, Randy, for your service and commitment to Phoenix residents and businesses.
Randy Tafoya 35 Years of Service
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 focused heavily on the federal government’s new Colorado River operating guidelines and their potential impacts on Phoenix and Arizona.
Colorado River cuts won’t make Phoenix taps go dry, but the backup plan will cost billions
Phoenix parks turn to smart irrigation as Colorado River cuts loom
Data centers near Lake Mead compared to Lake Powell as water levels plunge
The new silicon valley (literally)
Colorado River plan to cut water amid drought brings uncertainty for cities and farmers
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY PROMOTED EMPLOYEES! Erwin Alquijay Marcos Cordova Andrew Garcia Gita Kothari Manuel Licano Darin Lisonbee Stephen Ludwig Derek Marquez
Nash Muller Benjamin Oglesby Thomas Ortega Samantha Parrish Antonio Ruelas Adam Stewart Benny Tuncap Jr. Gabriel Villalobos Tawnya Watson
WELCOME TO WATER SERVICES! George Aguirre Antunez
Melissa Lopez
Jason Skinner
Angelica Bermudez
Benita Marshall
Jacob Skocypec
Joseph Boos
Marisol Mayberry
Brandon Smith
Maria Castillo
Francisco Miranda
Matthew Soriano
Jaimes Clark
Sonny Montano
Gavin Strocher
Jarrod Croteau
German Montero
Judy Torres
Naomi Davis
Jeremiah Munoz
Nathaniel Van Dell
Jimmy Diaz
Juan Ortega
Miriam Vargas
Andrea Fierro
Justin Rivera
Ryan Willmore
Adrienne Jones
Raul Rodriguez
Ricardo Lopez
K R O W R ! U S E O I Y R A S ON R E V I N AN 25 YEARS
20 YEARS
5 YEARS
William Fahy
Paul Espinosa
Nathaniel Burns
Rafael Frias Jr. Richard Garcia Martin Gomez Ronica Rocha Charlie Torres
Aaron Churchill
10 YEARS Patricia Abdin Albert Montoya Mary Sena
Danette Newman Jorge Ontiveros Jr. Vanessa Toucet
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
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PHOENIX.GOV/WATER
/PHXWATER