PHOENIX WATER SERVICES
OCTOBER 2026
IN THIS ISSUE Thank a Water Hero Day Recap KJZZ Water Panel Drug Take Back Day Director Kelso at ASU Environmental Engineering Seminar CSFD Instructions & Events BlueCommons Grant Rare Bird Spotted at Tres Rios
Sept. 21-25
THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING WITH US
THANK A WATER HERO DAY 2026
Thank you for your participation in the 7th Annual Thank a Water Hero Day! It was a week filled with the executive team visiting numerous sites to personally acknowledge our vital staff who work together to keep the utility running smoothly. Your work is a true reflection of the value we bring to the community. From Engineers to Utility Technicians to the Customer Service team, each of you serves as a Phoenix Water Hero, collectively achieving our mission to provide safe and reliable water service for our community. The visits from Mayor Gallego and the city councilmembers were meaningful reminders that the teamwork and commitment you demonstrate each day are truly valued. Recognizing our Water Heroes matters – it shows our team members that you are all appreciated, and your contributions make a difference.
Here’s to our water heroes — thank you for all you do!
SEE MORE P H OTO S H E R E !
PHOENIX HIGHLIGHTS PREPAREDNESS IN KJZZ WATER PANEL DISCUSSION On Sept. 8, Phoenix Water Resources Management Advisor Max Wilson joined regional water experts for a KJZZ public panel, "Arizona Water Cuts — What Now?" The discussion explored what changing Colorado River conditions mean for communities across the Valley and how water providers are preparing for the future. Topics ranged from Colorado River reductions and drought planning to conservation, infrastructure investment, groundwater reserves and development of new water supplies. Wilson emphasized that decades of waterresource planning, stored supplies, droughtresponse planning and continued investment provide important tools for maintaining reliable service. At the same time, he noted that adapting to a changing Colorado River will require significant investment in the next generation of water infrastructure and supplies.
The conversation also highlighted Phoenix’s work on Advanced Water Purification, regional water partnerships and continued conservation. Wilson noted that Phoenix delivers approximately the same amount of water to customers today as it did nearly three decades ago despite adding hundreds of thousands of residents — underscoring the important role customers and employees have played in building a culture of efficient water use. The event provided an opportunity to help residents better understand complicated issues while reinforcing a core responsibility shared across Phoenix Water: planning ahead so our community continues to have safe, reliable water today and into the future. PHOTO CREDIT: Emily Mai/KJZZ
NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY IS OCTOBER 24, 2026! HOW TO DISPOSE OF MEDICATIONS PROPERLY
Take Back Sites
It’s that time of year again! National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is your chance to safely clean out medicine cabinets and protect both our community and our environment. The Drug Enforcement Administration created this program to give Americans a safe, legal, and environmentally responsible way to dispose of unused prescription drugs.
WHY NOT FLUSHING MATTERS FOR PHOENIX Pharmaceuticals are engineered to remain stable inside the human body, and unfortunately, that stability continues as they travel through the sewer system. Wastewater treatment plants aren’t designed to remove these compounds, which means flushed medications can pass through the system and make their way into the environment.
That matters for the Phoenix Water Services Department. Preventing pharmaceuticals from entering our wastewater protects local waterways, wildlife, and long‑term water quality. Your responsible disposal choices support the department’s mission to safeguard public health and our desert environment.
Drop off unused medications at official DEA drug take‑back locations. These sites ensure pharmaceuticals are handled and disposed of safely. Find your local collection site by visiting: DEA | Office of Diversion Control Collection Site(s) or WPD | Solid Waste - Prescription Drug Disposal | ADEQ
A Look at the Impact
In a recent Take Back Day, 286 tons of unused medications were collected from thousands of sites nationwide – proof that every household’s clean‑out contributes to a cleaner, safer community.
Let’s Keep Phoenix Water Clean
Help protect our environment, support public health, and keep pharmaceuticals out of our wastewater system. Together, we can make a difference, one medicine bottle at a time.
DIRECTOR BRANDY KELSO SHARES EXPERTISE AT ASU ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SEMINAR Phoenix Water Services Director Brandy Kelso was invited by Arizona State University’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment to speak at its Environmental Engineering Seminar Series on Sept. 14. The event, held at the Biodesign Institute, brought together faculty, graduate students, and emerging engineers eager to learn from one of the nation’s leading water utility professionals.
During the seminar, Kelso highlighted Phoenix Water’s long‑standing commitment to water conservation, drought management, and sustainable infrastructure – core priorities that support 1.7 million residents with reliable, high‑quality water every day. She also shared insights from major initiatives such as advanced water purification planning, infrastructure resilience improvements, and long‑range resource strategies that help secure Phoenix’s water future in a desert environment. Attendees also appreciated Kelso’s personal reflections on her career journey, leadership philosophy, and passion for developing the next generation of water professionals. As an ASU alum, she emphasized the value of academic partnerships and the importance of connecting utility operations with research and innovation. The seminar strengthened Phoenix Water’s ongoing relationship with ASU and offered an excellent platform to showcase the department’s work, expertise, and commitment to futurefocused water management.
CSFD CAMPAIGN DATES: Monday, September 15 through Friday, October 31
The annual Community Service Fund Drive (CSFD) is officially underway! This campaign is one of the City of Phoenix’s most meaningful traditions, giving employees a chance to support local nonprofit organizations that make a real difference in our community.
Video: 2026 CSFD Kick-Off Message
For more than 40 years, the City has partnered with the Valley of the Sun United Way to raise funds for hundreds of vetted nonprofits working in the areas of health, education, housing, and workforce development.
WEEKLY DRAWINGS To thank employees for participating, WSD will hold weekly drawings during the campaign. Those who complete their eCHRIS contribution form will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $25 or $50 gift card.
STAY INFORMED WSD CSFD Events and Goals: Visit the internal WSD CSFD page for a full list of department-led activities.
CSFD Events and Goals: You can also check out the citywide CSFD page for a full list of all department-led activities.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR CONTRIBUTION Take a moment today to complete your CSFD contribution in eCHRIS: 1. Log in to eCHRIS 2. On the home page, click the Community Service Fund Drive button 3. Complete the My CSFD Contribution Election form: Select your contribution level and payment method Choose your agencies at the bottom of the form Or select the non-eCHRIS contribution option if using another method Let’s make this year’s campaign another great success. Your support helps create a meaningful change in the lives of our Phoenix neighbors. If you have any questions, please reach out to a CSFD representative. Thank you for making a difference!
EVENTS TO ATTEND! Water Services Git Down
Hands and Hearts Fair
Car, Truck, and Bike Show at Cave Creek Yard Friday, October 30 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Held outside Phoenix City Hall on October 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by the WSD booth for Water Burgers, sno-cones, nachos, and our popular gift basket drawings!
OCTOBER 22 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Outside Phoenix rd City Hall on 3 Ave.
2027 BENEFITS OPEN ENROLLMENT October 9 - November 6 phoenix.gov/benefits
It’s time to start reviewing your health benefits options for 2027. The open enrollment period opens Oct. 9 and runs through Nov. 6 at 11:59 p.m. This message provides an overview of some of the changes for 2027, and access to resources so you can make an informed decision about the plans that work best for you, your healthcare needs, and your budget. Log into eChris to review your current benefits elections, then visit the City of Phoenix Benefits website to learn more about 2027 benefits options of register to attend a live Virtual Open Enrollement Information Session.
Benefits staff are here to guide you through open enrollment and answer your questions. For assistance, email benefits.questions@phoenix.gov or call (602) 262-4777.
Click here for the 2027 Benefits Guide
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.
Did you Know? Site Visits are Coming Soon! OCM - Organizational Change Management exists to get you the information, training, and support you need before, during, and after go-live. It’s never to early to raise a concern.
Three things to know about the WAM to WACS Application Upgrade: Who is helping, when we are coming to you, and where to get the answers.
Change Management Committee
Change Champions
Site visits will kick off in October. Watch for a calendar invitation from your Management Services Liaison (MSL) or Change Champion:
Communications: Getting the right message to the right people at the right time.
A 30 to 45-minute conversation tailored to your team.
Training and Readiness: Helping teams stay prepared by providing updates on training dates and access to documentation.
An early preview of WACS and discussion of areas still in development.
Support: Here to help teams adjust to the change.
Share what’s coming in clear, relatable language. Answer questions or route them to the project team.
Q&A: Bring your questions! We’ll answer what we can and pass the rest on to the Asset Management team for follow-up.
SharePoint Site: WAM to WACS Application Upgrade
Thirty-three department-wide Change Champions have been selected to help bridge the communication between the Change Management Committee and you!
Bring your feedback and ideas back to the project team.
Click here for list of Change Champions
Submit Questions: WAM to WACS Application Upgrade
QUESTIONS? PLEASE CONTACT: WSDWAMCoreTeam@phoenix.gov
ADVANCING WATER EFFICIENCY THROUGH INNOVATION AND PARTNERSHIP The Phoenix Water Services Department and BlueCommons have collaborated on an important initiative aimed at improving water efficiency in large-scale wet‑cooling systems. This financial support effort focuses on helping commercial and institutional facilities adopt cooling tower upgrades that meaningfully reduce potable water use.
One of the featured projects in this effort is the cooling tower retrofit completed at Banner Estrella Medical Center. These upgrades are designed to enhance system performance, reduce water consumption, and demonstrate how targeted conservation strategies can benefit both facilities and the broader community. This work highlights the value of public‑private partnerships in addressing regional water challenges. It showcases how collaboration, innovation, and leadership from large water users can contribute to Phoenix’s long‑term sustainability goals – reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting our water future.
PHX WATER LEADERSHIP PRESENTS AT NEIGHBORHOOD SYNERGY CONFERENCE
Phoenix Neighborhood Services welcomed more than 200 attendees at its annual conference on Saturday, September 12, held at Hilton Phoenix Resort at the Peak. During the event, Phoenix Water Services Assistant Director Jim Swanson shared updates on the Pure Water program, highlighting its role in securing a sustainable water future for the City of Phoenix. Staff engaged with participants throughout the day, answering questions and distributing helpful materials on water conservation programs and resources available to residents. The conference offered a valuable opportunity for community members to learn more about long‑term water planning and the tools available to support wise water use across the city.
A RARE VISITOR AT TRES RIOS Staff received an exciting wildlife surprise in September when a juvenile wood stork, a species almost never seen in Arizona, was spotted wading through the marshes at the Tres Rios Wetlands. The sighting quickly generated buzz among local birders and regional media, marking one of only a handful of recorded appearances in the state over the past 25 years. Wood storks are typically found thousands of miles away in the swamplands of the Southeast U.S., Cuba, coastal Mexico, and South America. Their presence in the Sonoran Desert is so unusual that even long‑time birders were stunned. Experts note that southern species sometimes wander northward during periods of exceptional heat, occasionally bringing rare visitors like this one into Arizona. The sighting also highlights the ecological value of Tres Rios, a nearly 700‑acre engineered wetland built using treated discharge from the 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant. Designed to mimic historic Salt River habitat, Tres Rios now supports more than 150 species of birds and other wildlife—making moments like this possible. The wood stork’s appearance underscores the unique role Tres Rios plays as both a vital riparian habitat and a functional part of the city’s wastewater treatment system. Arizona lies far outside the species’ normal range, making this visit especially notable for staff and wildlife observers alike.
KJZZ: Birders at Phoenix Tres Rios Wetlands recently spotted a bird that is almost never seen in Arizona 12News: This rare bird made a stop in Phoenix
Photos By: Eric Wilson | Tres Rios O&M Supervisor | Phoenix Water Services Department
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 Colorado River supplies, and how Phoenix Water has prepared for those cuts.
Phoenix adds water storage, Scottsdale weighs new rules as Colorado River supplies shrink How Phoenix is preparing for Colorado River water cuts Colorado River cuts loom for Valley cities Water wars come to the ballot box in Arizona Phoenix will resume shutting off water to residents with delinquent accounts soon
The CLIMATE CENTRAL story is on three different platforms: The Colorado River is Shrinking. What Happens Next? How the West is preparing for a drier future as water supplies hit lows The Colorado River is shrinking. What happens next?
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY PROMOTED EMPLOYEES! Armando Bernal Jalen Bryant Pedro Diaz Andrew Garcia Jimena Garrison Aaron Gibson Osvaldo Gomez Dominic Hernandez
Adrian Mata Michael Miranda Thomas Ortega Quinn Pearson Joseph Pelzel Ruben Pizano Jaime Topete Joe Tovar
WELCOME TO WATER SERVICES! George Aguirre Antunez
Simeon Herrera
Alayza Ruff
Mark Alvarez
Lilith Huerta
Nicholas Rustenburg
George Angulo
Melissa Lopez
Chase Schnaebele
Veronica Arenas
Ricardo Lopez
Jacob Skocypec
Andy Bello
Benita Marshall
Noah Solomon
Joseph Boos
Keilah Martinez
Allison Symons
Maria Castillo
Francisco Miranda
Nathaniel Van Dell
Jaimes Clark
Sonny Montano
Miriam Vargas
Naomi Davis
Albert Mora
Julian Vasquez
Raul Delgado Sotelo
Adam Morales
Robert Wallace
Jimmy Diaz
Michael Muniz
Mark Williams
Kaliah Duckworth
Robert Penesa
Ryan Willmore
Vanessa Gonzales
Joseph Quihuis
Clayton Zapien
Kathryn Harms
Bianca Rodriguez Raul Rodriguez
K R O W R U ! O S Y E I ON VERSAR I N N A 35 YEARS
10 YEARS
5 YEARS
Karri Hernandez
Wade English Juan Manuel Esquivel Ruth Haldeman Ruben Lucero Garay Moreno Eddie Tellez Francisco Valenzuela Jr. Tiffany Westfall
Julio Baires Jr. Daniel Blea Jr. Miguel Bustamante Jr. Charlie Duran Jaymie Goodwin Monique Gutierrez Mitchell Martinez Angel Poole Anthony Ruggles
25 YEARS Jorge Estrada Emily Goodwill Michele Joyner Loyd Lievsay David Monreal Enrique Paniagua
20 YEARS George Garcia Kelly Patterson Debbie Perez Frank Valencia
15 YEARS Maria Enriquez Brandon Henderson
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
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