Welcome to the new and improved design for the monthly Water Services Department employee newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE
Water Security in Arizona Town Hall
Water Services Celebrates 602 Day
Bring Your Child to Work Day Recap
Upcoming Procurement Event
DR. MAX WILSON REPRESENTS PHOENIX WATER IN STATEWIDE WATER SECURITY DISCUSSION
Dr. Max Wilson, Phoenix’s Water Resources Management Advisor, recently represented the City of Phoenix on Inside the Issues: Water Security in Arizona, a Citizens Clean Elections Commission town hall-style program focused on drought, water supply, and Arizona’s future.
Dr Wilson joined water leaders from Central Arizona Project, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona to discuss where Arizona’s water comes from, current Colorado River challenges and how cities are preparing for long-term resilience
During the discussion, Dr. Wilson emphasized Phoenix Water’s core responsibility: ensuring customers have clean, safe and reliable water every day. He highlighted the department’s longterm planning, including underground water storage, major infrastructure investments like the Drought Pipeline, and future-focused solutions such as Advanced Water Purification. His participation helped showcase Phoenix’s leadership in water resource planning and the important work our employees do every day to support public health, economic stability and quality of life in the desert.
Here is a YouTube link to watch the program: Inside the Issues: Water Security in Arizona | Drought, Supply & Arizona’s Future.
Clickthe phoneto takethe survey.
602 DAY RECAP
The Phoenix Water Services team took part in three events to celebrate 602 Day, a citywide tribute to all things Phoenix. The first two events were employee-focused gatherings held on Monday, June 1, and Tuesday, June 2. At the Encanto Clubhouse, staff hosted an information table highlighting current conservation and stormwater programs. A similar setup was featured at City Hall the following day, this time with special appearances from department mascots Wayne Drop and Loo Poo The final celebration took place at Harmon Library, where the team joined the community in honoring 602 Day and kicking off the summer reading program
ENCANTO VILLAGE PLANNING COMMITTEE | WATER PRESENTATION
On June 1, Assistant Water Services Director Jim Swanson presented a water-supply and demand update to the Encanto Village Planning Committee. He discussed current drought and water-supply conditions, as well as Phoenix’s plans for advanced water purification through the Pure Water Phoenix program. He also explained how advanced water purification differs from conventional treatment and answered questions from committee members
BROPHY COLLEGE PREPARATORY STUDENTS TOUR
24 ST WTP TH
On June 1, staff at the 24th Street Water Treatment Plant led a tour for students from Brophy College Preparatory. Students learned about the water-treatment process and asked thoughtful questions about current drought conditions and their effects on operations.
H2-OH YEAH! WHY HYDRATION MATTERS THIS SUMMER!
Summer in Phoenix doesn’t mess around and neither should we when it comes to staying hydrated As temperatures rise, our bodies work overtime to keep cool The catch? We lose water fast That’s why keeping hydration front and center is one of the simplest (and most refreshing!) ways to stay healthy and energized during the hottest months of the year.
Why Hydration Is a Summer Superpower
According to our internal heat‑stress guidance, dehydration can sneak up quickly and bring along some unwelcome symptoms: dark urine, daytime fatigue, and infrequent restroom breaks just to name a few.
But here’s the good news: hydration is a p k
Hydration Tips to Make It Fun
Bring your favorite reusable bottle
Infuse your water with citrus, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing twist
Take regular water breaks, especially if you're out in the field.
Limit drinks that are high in caffeine or sugar.
Beat the Heat, Together
Heat stress is preventable when we stay aware and take action. Ensuring we drink enough water, especially during long days, field work, or community outreach is a simple habit that protects our health and keeps our team strong all summer long
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING… AND HELP KEEP PHOENIX CLEAN!
A fun reminder from your Environmental & Safety Division
The Environmental & Safety Division (ESD) team is constantly out and about inspecting facilities, checking permits, and tracking down odd smells, strange spills, and “that doesn’t look right…” moments all across Phoenix.
But here’s the secret: You can help too!
Spot Something Suspicious? We Want to Know!
If you see (or even suspect) someone dumping a suspected pollutant or prohibited substance into a storm drain or sewer, give us a shout. We’ll jump in, investigate, and ensure the cleanup is complete. And don’t worry, your tip is completely anonymous. We won’t disclose your identity.
Want updates afterward? Just say the word and we’ll share what we found.
If you see or suspect illegal dumping into a storm drain, call the Stormwater Hotline at 602-256-3190, email ask.water@ phoenix.gov or submit a report through the City’s stormwater webpage. If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911.
Why It Matters
When pollutants head into storm drains, they go straight to your neighborhood retention basin or river completely untreated.
Substances dumped into the sewer can disrupt wastewater treatment.
Either way, illegal dumping can harm our environment and even impact our drinking water sources
How to Report (It’s Easy!)
Choose the option that works for you:
Call the Stormwater Hotline: (602) 256 3190
Email: ask.water@phoenix.gov
Submit an online form: phoenix.gov/waterservices/envservices/ contact-esd
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 on the water supply and the impacts of the drought.
WATCH: How Phoenix is planning for a drier future
City of Phoenix joins watersharing program as Colorado River cuts loom
How will Colorado River water cuts impact Arizona? Depends on where you live
Water main break blocks 7th Avenue in central Phoenix
Phoenix resident frustrated by 14-day delay in fixing water main leak
Angel Escobedo
Basheer Abu Harb
Eric Quick
James Garrett
Steve Rodriguez
Urshel Ronan
Waleed Alani
Herbert Johnson
Kenneth Holland III
Nayla King
William Dolny
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WORK ANNIVERSARIES!
35 YEARS
Andrea L Cooper
30 YEARS
Hector R Lepur JR
Johnny R Solomon
25 YEARS
Roxanne C Carleton
Michael D Dennis
Diana D Iniguez
20 YEARS
Daniel S Calderon
Sylvia Lynn Chacon
Robert Charley
Fernando Fernandez
Rudolfo A Holguin JR
Bonifacio B Ramirez JR
Juan Salazar
Thomas D Taylor JR
Matthew Whitehurst
Emmanuel A Xochicale
10 YEARS
Robert M Johnson
Adane Wedajo
5 YEARS
Marcos Felipe Chavez
Shay Lyn Huff
Chad E Manchego
Jignesh Natvarlal Patel
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
