June 2026 Water Cooler Newsletter

PHOENIX WATER ADVANCES SMART METER TECHNOLOGY CITYWIDE

Phoenix Water is taking another major step toward modernizing customer service and system operations through the implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), a new smart meter technology that will gradually replace the department’s aging Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system.

Today, Phoenix Water reads approximately 465,000 meters each month using AMR technology, which requires staff to drive routes across the city to collect meter data While the system has served the city well for many years, much of the equipment is approaching the end of its useful life.

AMI will modernize that process by using secure cellular communication to automatically transmit water usage information throughout the day. The upgraded system will provide near real-time data that supports improved customer service, faster leak detection, and more efficient operations.

“This technology gives us better visibility into the system and helps us provide better service to our customers,” said Assistant Water Services Director Keith Mojica during a recent Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee presentation.

One of the biggest customer benefits will be earlier leak notifications. Instead of waiting until the next monthly bill cycle, customers will eventually be able to receive alerts when continuous water use may indicate a leak Future online portal features will also allow customers to view daily water usage trends and better understand their consumption patterns.

For employees, AMI will reduce the need for manual field reads, improve troubleshooting capabilities, and provide more detailed system information to support operations and maintenance decisions.

The AMI rollout is expected to take approximately five to six years, with installations occurring simultaneously across all service areas to balance workloads and improve long-term system management.

The project reflects Phoenix Water’s continued commitment to innovation, operational reliability, conservation, and customer service, while supporting the department’s broader goal of moving from reactive operations to a more proactive, data-driven approach to utility management.

EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE TEAM AWARD:

91ST AVENUE EIT TEAM

The 91st Ave. Wastewater Treatment Plant faced major damage to its instrumentation and control systems after a November 14 fire, threatening the plant’s ability to monitor and adjust critical treatment processes.

The Instrumentation & Controls team quickly engineered a temporary PLC system to restore essential monitoring and remote operation capabilities. Led by Supervisor George Garcia and Lead Raymond Morgan, the team worked with contractors to secure materials and equipment, while I&C

Specialists Robert Velazquez, Basheer Harb, Isaac Baires, and Blake Pelton, along with User Techs Fred Wertsching, Jimmy Gonzalez, Jesus Garcia, Ruben Carillo, and Brandon Henderson, repurposed fiber, installed temporary cabling, and programmed the PLC within days.

Their creativity, technical expertise, and teamwork brought the plant’s “eyes and ears” back online, enabling rapid recovery after a serious incident

solved an extraordinary problem or achieved a significantly difficult goal

Employee Excellence Individual Award: CLAYTON FREED

Clayton Freed took bold action to solve a long standing workforce challenge by creating the Water Services Rotational Engineer Apprenticeship Program one of the first state registered engineering apprenticeships in Arizona

Seeing that recruitment struggles stemmed from the lack of an entry level pathway, he designed a four year rotational program featuring structured training, mentorship, exam support, and hands‑on experience.

After extensive collaboration with HR, WSD staff, and external partners, the program launched in 2025 with four apprentices selected from 50 applicants, including two former interns.

Clayton also led implementation, developed new training, ensured state compliance, and strengthened the department’s capacity by recruiting and onboarding contracted project managers

His leadership not only established a sustainable talent pipeline for Phoenix but also set a model for other municipalities, reflecting the innovation, service, collaboration, and excellence this award celebrates.

AZ WATER CONFERENCE

On April 27 to 30, water professionals from across the state gathered in Downtown Phoenix for the 99th Annual AZ Water Conference This premier industry event offers a valuable opportunity for attendees to expand their knowledge, explore emerging trends, and connect with peers who are shaping the future of Arizona’s water resources.

The conference also serves as an important platform for showcasing the work from our dedicated staff. Team members presented on a wide range of projects, sharing insights and innovations, and many are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the industry. The July Water Cooler will have the full list of winners!

BRING YOUR Child TO WORK DAY

THURSDAY,JUNE11,2026

@ Phoenix City Hall

Touch-a-Truck Extravaganza Starts at 9:30 a.m.

Department’s Displays

Starting at 9 a.m. City Hall Atrium

Photo Ops with Water Mascots: Wayne Drop & Loo Poo 11 - 11:30 | 11:40 -12:10 9th floor Training Room

WSD Team Meet & Greet

1 to 2 p.m.

9th floor Training Room

On May 23, Vice Mayor Kesha Hodge Washington and the rest of the District 8 team hosted their Annual Community Cookout at Hermoso Park, featuring food, music, dancing, and fun for the community!

Our Community Education and Outreach team got a chance to share water conservation resources with residents and pass out some awesome swag, with Loo Poo items as the favorite! These events give us the opportunity to share our programs in a fun and engaging way while also informing the public about the importance of the City’s water future.

ASU KYL CENTER MEDIA INTERVIEW DISTRICT 8 ANNUAL COMMUNITY COOKOUT

On May 21, Water Resources Advisor Max Wilson served as the subject matter expert for the City of Phoenix for an interview with the ASU Kyl Center about drought-related topics such as Colorado River negotiations, Advanced Water Purification, and why Phoenix excels at water innovation.

The series of videos will be released in September and will be available on the ASU YouTube channel.

TOMAHAW ELEMENTAR VEHICLE DA

On May 14, staff from the Meters Division and Wastewater Collections Division participated in Vehicle Day kindergarteners to 2 graders. The kids also walked away with some fun swag.

TRES RIOS CLEAN-UP BY STORMWATER PROS

On May 14, StormWater Pros, Phoenix Volunteer Phoenix team, and staff members from the Wastewater Treatment Plant helped clean up Tres Rios by collecting trash, and pulling the evasive Stinkweed species

FILMORE GARDENS LEAK DETECTION LAUNCH

On May 22, Phoenix expanded its Leak Detection Program, bringing together the City of Phoenix Water and Housing Department, the Pacific Institute, Sensor Industries, and Target to install leak detection in city-operated housing like the Filmore Gardens. With the help of our partners, places like Filmore gardens can highlight the importance of Water conservation, and reduce usage in practical ways Officials, including Mayor Kate Gallego, spoke on the importance of practical conservation tools and strengthening Phoenix’s commitment to water conservation

“We’re leveraging smart technology to fix leaks, reduce costs, and protect our most precious resource. Every drop matters in the desert, and we’re proud to have private sector partners who understand the importance of investing in conservation.” - Mayor Kate Gallego

TOILET LEAK DETECTION

The Leak Detection Project is in partnership with many organizations to install Smart Leak Detection Sensors that identify hidden toilet leaks in real time, helping maintenance teams quickly locate and repair leaks that otherwise waste gallons of water. Water Resources Management Advisor Max Wilson spoke as well, emphasizing the vital importance of Leak detection technology in places like Fillmore Gardens.

“In settings like these, in affordable housing projects, we have elderly residents who may not know if their toilets are leaking,”

Watch the Full Launch

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 innovation in water leak detection that the City of Phoenix is piloting.

Trump administration readying a plan to impose Colorado River water cuts on western states.

Phoenix advances water conservation with smart toilet leak detection program.

Small leaks can waste a lot of water. Phoenix is installing sensors to prevent loss.

CONGRATS

Tayvon Auzenne

Brandon Blankenship

Charles Donofrio

Frances Garcia-Rodriguez

Jessica Mallett

Adam Riley

Robert Strickland

Eric Watson

Kevin Yamaoka

Fitsum Areaya

Lily Avila Sotelo

Devon Elliott

Cooper Heap

Jenieve Lucero

Paulina Mendoza Rodriguez

David Zamora

ON YOUR ANNIVERSARY!

Stephen Garcia

Aaron Pope 25 YEARS

20 YEARS

Thomas Crider JR

Jason Evans

Marco Fiore

Bryan Jones

Stephen Martinez

15 YEARS

Angel R Rojas

10 YEARS

Christian Delgado

Eric Richard Deopere

Jesus Gonzales JR

Leticia Gonzales

Jason Henley

Austin Noble

Bryce Pelton

5 YEARS

Saul Duran

Peter Goik

Kyle Kraft

Christopher Phillips

Andrew Romero

Joseph Ybanez

SERVICE AWARD

Congratulations to Tomas Galvez, a Senior Utility Technician at the Cave Creek Yard, who celebrated 35-years of service with the City of Phoenix. Water Services Director Brandy Kelso presented Tomas with a certificate and plaque for his dedicated years of service. Thank you, Tomas, for your commitment to the water industry, for serving your community and for making our utility stronger and more resilient

Tomas Galvez 35 Years of Service

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