ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY NEWSLETTER WINTER 2026
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
As we begin the new year, your Water Utility thanks you for using water efficiently. In calendar year 2025 the Utility delivered less total water than it did more than two decades ago, while at the same time, the Town’s population has increased over 20%. Your commitment to sustainable living makes this achievement possible. This success is the result of effective action in three key areas:
1) Outstanding Water Resource Management
Our Water Utility staff works hard to ensure our community has the water resources it needs for generations to come.
2) Water Conservation Pricing
84% of residential customers have a 5/8-inch meter and consume approximately 7,000 gallons of water a month or less. These customers pay the lowest commodity rate. (See table 1 for additional commodity rates).
Conservation pricing is a strategy employed to manage and encourage the responsible use of water resources by adjusting the price of water to reflect its true value and scarcity, thereby motivating users to reduce consumption and minimize waste.
3) Implementation of New Technologies
The Water Utility continues to invest in technologies that help our customers manage their water consumption. The Utility’s latest water consumption selfhelp tool is available within the current customer portal. This added feature will allow customers to:
a) View hourly and daily water consumption.
b) Set personalized leak alerts and consumption notification thresholds.
c) Choose how to receive alerts.
d) Reduce the occurrence of unplanned water consumption.
Table 1
In closing, with responsible water resource management, conservation pricing and giving our customers the best tools available to manage their conservation efforts, our long-term water resource sustainability is assured.
Looking forward,
Peter Abraham
Peter A. Abraham, P.E. | Water Utility Director
Learn how to access the latest self-help tools available to you by scaning the QR code or visiting go.ovaz.gov/water
To contact Customer Service, call (520) 229-5000 or email OVwater@orovalleyaz.gov.
Peter Abraham, P.E. Water Utility Director
GET READY FOR COOLER WEATHER!
As the nights turn cooler in the desert, it’s time to think about protecting your home’s plumbing from winter’s chill. Even in Southern Arizona, freezing temperatures can sneak up on us – causing frozen pipes to burst. This can lead to costly damage and wasting water.
WINTERIZE YOUR HOME PLUMBING:
1. Protect Exposed Pipes
• Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or insulating tape—especially those near exterior walls, crawl spaces, or unheated garages.
• Cover outdoor faucets with inexpensive covers available at local hardware stores
2. Disconnect Hoses
• Always remove and drain garden hoses. Leaving hoses attached can trap water in the faucet and connecting pipes, which can cause them to freeze and crack.
3. Insulate Outdoor Fixtures
• If you have a backflow prevention device or irrigation system, wrap and cover it with insulation or a specially designed cover.
• Shut off and drain irrigation lines if possible.
4. Let a Little Water Drip
• On nights when temperatures dip below freezing, let indoor faucets drip slightly. Running water—even a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.
5. Keep Indoor Heat Steady
• If you plan to be away from home, keep your thermostat set no lower than 55 degrees.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
6. Know Where Your Shutoff Valve Is
• In case a pipe does freeze and burst, know how to quickly turn off your home’s main water valve. Shutting off water promptly can prevent serious water loss and damage.
Learn how to access the latest self-help tools available to you by scaning the QR code or visiting go.ovaz.gov/water. Click on Guide to Subscribe for Leak Alerts and Water Consumption. To contact Customer Service, call (520) 229-5000 or email OVwater@orovalleyaz.gov.