Phoenix Water is kicking off 2023 with a focus on stormwater pollution prevention for the fourth annual Stormwater Awareness Week from Jan. 23 to 29, 2023. Stormwater Awareness Week is an annual regional effort to teach simple everyday actions to reduce stormwater pollution.
Stormwater in Phoenix is NOT treated like the wastewater leaving your kitchen, laundry appliances, sinks, showers, or toilets. Stormwater collects pollutants as it flows over rooftops, gutters, parking lots, driveways, and other paved surfaces. Chemicals, trash, yard, and pet waste also contaminate stormwater. The polluted stormwater flows into storm drains, rivers, washes, and retention basins.
“Stormwater Awareness Week encourages our community members to take everyday actions to help protect the quality of our water,” said Jennifer Calles, Deputy Water Services Director. “With our separate systems for stormwater and wastewater, it’s important to remember that stormwater doesn’t get treated and flows directly to nearby washes and retention basins, infiltrating the soil, making it imperative that we work daily to keep our water system clean.”
Since the campaign’s initial launch in 2019, more Valley municipalities and government agencies have participated in the week-long event. Be on the lookout for billboards, social media posts, and radio ads promoting Stormwater Awareness Week, encouraging the public to get involved by attending the virtual workshop or taking steps to reduce stormwater pollution. The virtual workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 25, at noon to discuss the City’s Stormwater Management Program and our activities to reduce stormwater pollution. Attendees are required to register in advance to participate. Additionally, a survey is sent out to residents to measure their knowledge about the subject and determine the educational focus for the year.
Simple actions to reduce stormwater pollution include:
- Properly disposing of trash, recyclables, and chemicals like detergent, paint, medications, etc.
- Recycling motor oil and maintaining your vehicle to prevent leaks
- Cleaning up after your pet
- Using lawn chemicals sparingly and always following manufacturers’ directions
- Properly disposing of leftover paint and household chemicals at a household hazardous waste event
- And please remember – only rain in the storm drain
To learn more about the City of Phoenix Water Services Department Stormwater Awareness Week and what you can do as an individual or business to prevent stormwater pollution, please visit phoenix.gov/stormwater.
