[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6164786,"mediaKeyId","5427088-3b95385fd2fe498ec0660fa28852419c","parentId",5427088,"title","Phoenix Water trainer explains stormwater is not treated by utility and urges pollution reporting","audioSeconds",65,"startMs",863000,"endMs",928000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427088-3b95385fd2fe498ec0660fa28852419c&start=863&end=928","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427088-3b95385fd2fe498ec0660fa28852419c/thumbnail_863000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6164786/Arizona/Phoenix-Water-trainer-explains-stormwater-is-not-treated-by-utility-and-urges-pollution-reporting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164786-42c3d1cf6e0f43eff1755d5877a2071f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775431769&Signature=k3A1F0AhrXdwE5FLwuMq06exW1~0vd6DSMq4QG9ODnJHQsBocdlBX7GAC1fJmA9uQGRTnpRahmY38lvDh0oBWm7EKNuGL1tevsO8E~zZv9cJ~vZLcriPrmhz2~VaA1SjAqgOVfYVeHRPgn6sVgzzX~DwH9lt4GrrflBTgtcUWTGxMhgLu1SUlOxNYF97lEjCS2j2VRVmVFxTbBlTPfh9KFZgCAbydph2fi0xeXk99yfHLdB0exVw9-SaVh9oZjvnjwY2Zd3MXSjMN~zTMdCezybmjyuBPFOr5AlDYcVq6SdCFevtoA4yQcO1HEii5AxDF2I8qVcg~Q2F5Kr1P~Vdyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Phoenix, AZ","date","2025-07-18T17:34:17Z","article","A volunteer coordinator with the City of Phoenix Water Department told trainees that stormwater — runoff from rain — is not cleaned by Phoenix Water and follows a separate conveyance system from sewers.

\"Stormwater is rainwater that becomes urban runoff, and it is not cleaned by Phoenix Water,\" the coordinator said during Lesson 4. The trainer explained that storm drains are separate from the sewer system and that runoff is discharged into retention areas or surface waters where it can percolate or evaporate, and that the utility's objective is to clear stormwater quickly to keep roadways safe.

The session warned that stormwater picks up human‑related pollutants along its path. Trainees were urged to avoid littering, to pick up pet waste and not to dump used motor oil in the street, and were told how to report pollution: there is a page on the City of Phoenix website and incidents can also be reported to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

The training framed these actions as prevention: because Phoenix Water does not treat stormwater, the best way to protect downstream water quality is to reduce pollution at the source and report violators for enforcement by appropriate agencies.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Water Wrangler Volunteer Training Lesson 4: Water Resources","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Phoenix training clarified that stormwater is urban runoff not treated by the water utility, that storm drains are separate from sewers, and that residents can report pollution to the city or ADEQ.","taxTitle","Events, Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona","taxId",80566,"location","Arizona","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6164791,"Phoenix Water training emphasizes '3 Ps' and warns against flushing wipes and medications",43,777000,820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427088-3b95385fd2fe498ec0660fa28852419c&start=777&end=820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427088-3b95385fd2fe498ec0660fa28852419c/thumbnail_777000.jpg","/articles/6164791/Arizona/Phoenix-Water-training-emphasizes-3-Ps-and-warns-against-flushing-wipes-and-medications","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164791-dc9410808a9a7ef0c611102e1c757593/orig.mp4?Expires=1775431769&Signature=DDIjAORzxolcfBCOdkgQft8bP1oilbCl0kKV1BePVFEtZYjOVgWWmH8CNQju5OGukCHbD58q3X65sAeHVjTlN0yo~J2PE2cZvQWP4O4cnkLdgs26wbr9TWyQ4vCl0dhy8DR5U2RFwE28YZONyU1xuohNgyEoE~DQf8TY40HOpcSFSSaiBe-qjZt8py3cWq9kNb5sAMbu4LeJcvQjUGj9KkEc8Xp0qesdfwgWw8jTC6cNvzRFeLaeEw-qvKpJhDtKFf6MXXNCNDhNI487xIVijoSr60uF0iK-u0RFNKJmtPSN2R10UPbPwrTGmFVsdH3i2yjLveKAp7nndKcQ6lh6ZQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An unnamed volunteer coordinator with the City of Phoenix Water Department told trainees that household flushing should be limited to \"only flush pee, poo, and paper,\" and cautioned that tampons, sanitary napkins, wipes and excess medication should not be flushed because they cause clogs and treatment problems.

\"Basically, the only thing that should ever go down your toilet should be water, toilet paper, or something from your body,\" the coordinator said during Lesson 4 of Phoenix Water Wrangler training. The trainer added: \"Prescription drugs that are flushed are going to our treatment plant... please don't flush those. Instead, excess medication can be dropped off at local Phoenix police stations or local drugstores and pharmacies.\"

The session explained basic wastewater treatment steps in simple terms: removal of solids and rags, biological processes in which microorganisms reduce nutrients such as nitrates, and light (disinfection) treatment to reduce viruses. The coordinator said that items outside the \"3 Ps\" can cause sanitary sewer overflows that harm the environment and household plumbing.

The training also criticized labeling of so‑called flushable wipes: \"They're lying to you. These wipes are not flushable. They clog our drains and lead to more issues, so please don't flush them. Do not flush feminine products either,\" the coordinator said.

The coordinator framed the guidance as both environmental protection and operational necessity: preventing clogs prevents sanitary sewer overflows and reduces maintenance burdens on the collection and treatment system. For disposal of unused medication, the trainer pointed trainees to police station take‑back programs and local pharmacies.","In a volunteer training session Phoenix Water advised residents to flush only \"pee, poo and paper,\" warned that flushable wipes and medications should not be flushed, and described basic wastewater treatment steps used at treatment plants.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6164796,"Phoenix Water outlines distribution, maintenance and rate basics in volunteer training",302,238000,540000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427088-3b95385fd2fe498ec0660fa28852419c&start=238&end=540","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427088-3b95385fd2fe498ec0660fa28852419c/thumbnail_238000.jpg","/articles/6164796/Arizona/Phoenix-Water-outlines-distribution-maintenance-and-rate-basics-in-volunteer-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164796-ef69bab20286c38b1eb1a06eb3c58593/orig.mp4?Expires=1775431769&Signature=ixdXG0xGYAipg5374DLLaYIZ1ktLtowngZ2Q7svFSIBerJGMhkDeIq7JhBabt44U1FEoDeUYtS47QVj4cmDlXcRla5apdxalpIbM0KhAX6mEG4alREIg3PsqRSG5xYXzLmHlSR32-hKKzaDO842W7IfeY~hQA~iHu4niiFqjgnhbkHaZG3Wn4pU~1dtFbIMwRk8ug3XUWbxk-xrmkELyfcb9zZCY9vfsmw895MW2hIRBS9k-oA0ZyV9uvgzk83jS6GcbQUHyZQ~Heehcf~6IxUeLEnsNh1pT2BMBeMwrjHjsDCAQTMj1v0rUgvBqUSXjfsFp8aNvOHNWrgFNkAATRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A City of Phoenix Water Department volunteer coordinator explained how Phoenix obtains, treats and distributes potable water and why maintenance and infrastructure costs appear on customer bills.

\"Phoenix Water treats this raw water. Water is processed at a drinking water treatment plant to meet high standards of safety that we set by federal and state laws,\" the trainer said, summarizing the journey from dams, canals and wells through treatment plants and underground pipes to customer taps.

The training described distribution as the combined people, processes and parts that send drinking water to customers. The coordinator said the utility uses preventive maintenance to find and fix problems early and also responds to leaks and other issues found in the field. \"Much of their work also focuses on repairing leaks across the city,\" the coordinator said.

The session noted that Phoenix Water operates as a public utility and not for profit; rates reflect the cost of sourcing, treating, delivering and collecting water and wastewater. The trainer listed components that may appear on a customer's bill: a stormwater excise tax, a charge for trash services, and rates for water and wastewater services. The independent Water and Wastewater Rate Advisory Committee provides oversight and guidance on rate structure, the coordinator said.

The training also urged patience with field crews working on pipes and hydrants: volunteers were told those crews are often performing urgent maintenance in high heat to keep service reliable.

This material was instructional, part of Lesson 4 of the Phoenix Water Wrangler volunteer series, and the session did not include any formal policy decisions or rate changes.","Phoenix Water's training explained how the utility sources, treats and distributes potable water; it described preventive maintenance, leak repairs and the components that feed customer bills, including a stormwater excise tax and independent advisory oversight.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":42,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6164801,"Single‑family yards account for largest share of Phoenix water use, city trainer says",116000,181000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5427088-3b95385fd2fe498ec0660fa28852419c&start=116&end=181","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5427088-3b95385fd2fe498ec0660fa28852419c/thumbnail_116000.jpg","/articles/6164801/Arizona/Singlefamily-yards-account-for-largest-share-of-Phoenix-water-use-city-trainer-says","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6164801-594b3ff3cf7f3b6f2d0cd99172e1da07/orig.mp4?Expires=1775431769&Signature=m465-ERCs8b0llK7Ge4XFu9Q~h4vhfGIipoNd-rQyrPNDJT9Fgue-gYYonyVj3RF0tOc62jzpiyByLzfUYzmm0Oe3-xy155uLxDwMxGFUh66ayssEcarnFgPRTiIn2QMubmLDyc3SCHE1ha1zTCNbsCDFRV6wprxjwfubJiEYGL8~6~D38t39hQCYRFhoOmbOMcLLWFWyisYg6Gn-IJGkCtVcx8L0wyCjFjGHZgS3r3gsGh8Ax95g7P5jUPZ-2Kf5fBebCu5pgQJEZXzu75aV0IpFJEUsU-N4Li3nbRA-pAhKyhuE8G-SDQvhHZb-xxf-6ITVxPo9GYJ5lVTf4grAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A volunteer coordinator with the City of Phoenix Water Department told trainees that single‑family homes account for roughly 51% of the water the utility supplies, and that outdoor residential watering alone is over 30% of delivered water.

That distribution means \"about a third of the water that the water services department delivers in a year is going to water in your yard,\" the volunteer coordinator said, underscoring the agency's message that household landscaping choices represent a large potential for savings.

The distinction matters because, the coordinator said, residential outdoor use is greater than the entire commercial, industrial and institutional sector combined by more than 10 percentage points. \"So every business, every industry, every restaurant, water park, and golf course combined uses less water than all single family homes,\" the coordinator added.

The training framed the statistics as a basis for outreach and conservation: Phoenix Water presents residential outdoor water use as the most promising target for reducing overall demand, and the volunteer program is intended to help residents adopt more efficient landscape irrigation and other measures.

The remarks were part of Lesson 4 of Phoenix Water Wrangler volunteer training, delivered by an unnamed volunteer coordinator from Phoenix Water. The session also noted climate variability in the Sonoran Desert — \"we have a pretty big range on what to expect for precipitation\" — and average local conditions (about 6 inches of rain annually and more than 300 sunny days per year) as context for why outdoor water use is both large and variable.

For volunteers and residents, the takeaway in the training was practical: individual choices about outdoor irrigation materially affect citywide water demand and constitute a major conservation opportunity going forward.","A City of Phoenix volunteer trainer told Water Wrangler volunteers that single‑family residences use about 51% of the water Phoenix supplies and outdoor residential use alone exceeds 30%, representing a major opportunity for conservation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Phoenix Water trainer explains stormwater is not treated by utility and urges pollution reporting

Phoenix Water training emphasizes '3 Ps' and warns against flushing wipes and medications

Phoenix Water outlines distribution, maintenance and rate basics in volunteer training

Single‑family yards account for largest share of Phoenix water use, city trainer says