| New Drought Simulation Game Tests Residents’ Ability to Manage a City’s Water Portfolio | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3033 | Water Services | | 2/26/2024 7:34:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3033/Newsroom Article Image_Drought SIM.png | | New Drought Simulation Game Tests Residents’ Ability to Manage a City’s Water Portfolio | <div class="ExternalClass7F036458F3DC4A68BEE16FF8D7DF1AE5"><html>
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<p>What does it take to manage a city’s water portfolio, especially during a historic drought? The Phoenix Water Services Department’s Conservation Team invites you to test your knowledge about water resources and long-term planning by playing the new Drought Simulation Game (Drought Sim). <br></p>
<p>In the simulation game, players are assigned the role of water policymaker for a large city – impacted by a difficult drought – and that serves families, companies, and farms. City leaders are up against the clock, needing to resolve water shortages within three years. Through an interactive dashboard, players have nine rounds to choose the best policies and programs that not only benefit residents, but also lower water use and water costs before it’s too late and the city runs out of water. <br></p>
<p>While this dire scenario was created for educational purposes, cities across the United States face various complexities in the short-term and long-term management of water resources. In the City of Phoenix, strategic planning related to water conservation has been a goal for more than 100 years. As a result, Phoenix has a robust and diverse water portfolio and is always looking for ways to augment supplies while encouraging residents to embrace a culture of conservation. <br></p>
<p>“Water is complicated, but every community relies on this vital resource to thrive,” said Elijah Tangenberg, a Water Resource Specialist and co-creator of Drought Sim. “We wanted to develop this game to help the average resident understand why water management choices are made and how those choices impact everyday lives.” <br></p>
<p>Through active listening and community outreach, the team was inspired to design this hands-on resource to help residents better understand why it’s important to protect our water supply and what’s at stake each time a water management decision is made, no matter how small.<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> </span></p>
<p>“The Phoenix Water conservation team’s goal was to engage people through a game that empowers learners,” said Virginia Svec, a Water Resource Specialist and co-creator of Drought Sim. “Players must use critical thinking skills to make drought policy decisions for their city yet balance economic and societal factors to meet the needs of each citizen.” <br></p>
<p>Drought Sim is currently in the beta testing phase and the public’s feedback is important to make improvements for future use in classrooms. If your school or organization would like to play Drought Sim and provide feedback, please email <a target="_blank" href="mailto:conservation@phoenix.gov"><strong>conservation@phoenix.gov.</strong></a><br></p>
<p>About City of Phoenix Water Services Department<br></p>
<p>The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Phoenix. With a commitment to water conservation, innovation, and long-term planning, the department ensures a secure and resilient water supply for future generations. For more information, visit <a target="_blank" href="https://phoenix.gov/water"><strong>phoenix.gov/water.</strong></a></p>
<p>Media Contacts:<br></p>
<p>Jimena Garrison</p>
<p>Public Information Officer</p>
<p>Water Services<br></p>
<p>480-390-1933</p>
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<a target="_blank" href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov">
<strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
| Phoenix Approves Construction Contract for Rehabilitation of Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3015 | Water Services | | 2/7/2024 11:18:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3015/CCWRP_Site_Rendering.png | | Phoenix Approves Construction Contract for Rehabilitation of Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant | <div class="ExternalClass3C1FA4172838431CA66A701777FEDD21"><html>
<div>Media Open House on Thursday, Feb. 8 - See below for details.<br></div>
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<div>The Phoenix City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward with a pivotal project to revitalize and expand the capabilities of the<strong> </strong><a href="/cityclerksite/City%20Council%20Meeting%20Files/2-7-24%20Formal%20Agenda-FINAL.pdf#page=157" target="_blank"><strong>Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant</strong></a>, a key water treatment facility in north Phoenix at Cave Creek Road and Deer Valley Drive. This project marks a significant step forward in sustainable water practices and community development and sets the stage for what may be a transformative chapter in Phoenix's approach to innovative water management.<br></div>
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<div>The Cave Creek facility, shuttered in 2009 due to an economic slowdown, is poised for a comeback that aligns with Phoenix's strategic plan to diversify and secure its water resources. The council's decision to approve the construction contract opens a pathway for the plant to one day employ Advanced Water Purification technologies, offering a promising future where reclaimed water could meet potable standards.</div>
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<div>"Phoenix takes seriously the need to secure our water future and continues to bring new solutions to the table to do so," Mayor Gallego said. "Reopening the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant with new water recycling capabilities will be crucial to shore up Phoenix's water supply, support sustainable development, and maintain a strong quality of life for Phoenix families. Thanks to the City's commitment to water stewardship and the deployment of innovative technologies, we will be able to deliver what is effectively a new water supply before the end of the decade."</div>
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<div>The plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2026. It will feature a low-profile design, indoor equipment, covered processes, odor control scrubbers, and a color scheme harmonizing with the natural desert environment. The capacity is set at 8 million gallons a day (MGD), expandable to 16 MGD. With advanced treatment technologies like Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultraviolet Advanced Oxidation Processes (UV AOP), the plant could one day produce 6.7 million gallons a day of potable water to serve approximately 25,000 households annually.</div>
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<div>Phoenix Water Services Director Troy Hayes has led the department's efforts to make this important project a reality. He echoed the Mayor's sentiments, highlighting the significance of ensuring long-term water security.</div>
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<div>"With the Cave Creek Plant, we're setting the foundation for water security that will benefit our residents for generations to come," said Hayes. "The approval of this contract is a pivotal moment for our city. We are laying the groundwork for Advanced Water Purification processes that could create a valuable new water resource."</div>
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<strong>Media Open House Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant </strong>
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<div>The media is invited to the Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant to view the facility and learn about the rehabilitation project from subject matter experts. </div>
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<strong>WHO: City of Phoenix water treatment experts</strong>
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<strong>WHAT: Interviews and tours of the plant</strong>
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<strong>WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 8 @ 9 to 11 a.m.</strong>
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<strong>WHERE: Cave Creek Water Reclamation Plant | Entrance is on the north side of the plant | <a href="/waterservicessite/Documents/CaveCreekWTPMap1.pdf" target="_blank">Map</a></strong>
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<strong>Please RSVP to Michael Gertzman at</strong> <a href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank"><strong>michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov.</strong></a><br></p>
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<strong>About City of Phoenix Water Services Department</strong>
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<div>The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Phoenix. With a commitment to water conservation, innovation, and long-term planning, the department ensures a secure and resilient water supply for future generations. For more information, visit <a href="/waterservices" target="_blank"><strong>phoenix.gov/water</strong></a><strong>.</strong></div>
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<strong>Media Contacts:</strong>
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<div>Michael Gertzman</div>
<div>Sr. Public Information Officer </div>
<div>Water Services</div>
<div>602-534-1209</div>
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<a href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</strong>
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<div>Jimena Garrison<br></div>
<div>Public Information Officer</div>
<div>Water Services</div>
<div>480-390-1933</div>
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<a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
| Phoenix Announces Non-Residential Financial Incentives to Remove Non-Functional Grass | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/water-services/3007 | Water Services | | 2/1/2024 10:15:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3007/Newsroom_ Image_Non-Residential_Grass_Incentives.png | | Phoenix Announces Non-Residential Financial Incentives to Remove Non-Functional Grass | <div class="ExternalClassBDF0A6A2B0FB4B57A1D471EE7655F19B"><html>
<p>The Phoenix Water Services Department is launching new financial incentives to help non-residential customers conserve water and save money by removing non-functional grass and converting to desert landscaping. <br></p>
<p>Non-residential customers can begin the application process by visiting the <a href="/waterservices/nonresidentialincentives" target="_blank"><strong>Non-Residential Grass Removal Program webpage</strong></a><strong>.</strong><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"> </span></p>
<p>"Phoenix is committed to leading the way in water conservation. This new incentive program is yet another significant step we’re taking towards realizing our vision of a more resilient city," said Mayor Kate Gallego. "By encouraging non-residential customers to replace non-functional grass with desert landscaping, we will not only be able to conserve vital water resources, but also create an environmentally conscious urban environment for future generations to enjoy."</p>
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<strong>Key Highlights of the Incentive Program: </strong>
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<li><p>Non-residential customers can receive $2 per square foot of grass removed, up to a project total of $250,000 per site, by converting to low water use, desert-adapted landscapes. <br></p></li>
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A minimum of 1,000 square feet of grass must be removed to qualify for the incentive.
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The removed grass area must be replaced with a minimum of 50% live plant
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The final irrigation system must be drip-automatic.
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<p>The program is open to non-residential customers that are participants of a City of Phoenix Business Water Consultation or an HOA Water Efficiency Check-Up with Phoenix Water Services staff. Applicants will need to submit all documents to the Conservation Inbox (<strong><a href="mailto:conservation@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">conservation@phoenix.gov</a></strong>). Detailed instructions and requirements are available by visiting the <a href="/waterservices/nonresidentialincentives" target="_blank"><strong>Non-Residential Grass Removal Program webpage</strong></a><strong>. </strong><br></p>
<p>To receive the incentive, you must complete the conversion within six months of the date of the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP). Please do not begin the conversion without the approval from the Phoenix Water Services Department. <br></p>
<p>(Projects larger than 125,000 square feet will be considered on a case-by-case basis.)<br></p>
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Labor for installation.
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Cost of conversion to drip irrigation systems.
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<p>"Our Non-Residential Grass Removal Program is a win-win for businesses and the environment, said Cynthia Campbell, Water Resources Management Advisor. "Incentivizing the switch to low water use landscaping helps our non-residential customers reduce their water footprint significantly. This initiative reflects our dedication to preserving Phoenix's precious water resources while supporting our community's sustainable growth."<br></p>
<p>Opting for desert landscaping is one of the most important things Phoenix customers can do to save water. By converting to desert plants, customers can save as much as 55 gallons of water per square foot of grass every year. The City is committed to sustainable living and will roll out the next phase of this financial incentive for residential customers as early as January 2025. <br></p>
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<p>Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis while funding lasts. Qualified applicants will receive their incentive in the form of a check, mailed to the address on file for their City Services Bill. Please allow up to 60 days to receive the check. <br></p>
<p>For more information, FAQs, or to begin the application process, non-residential customers are encouraged to visit the <a href="/waterservices/nonresidentialincentives" target="_blank"><strong>Non-Residential Grass Removal Program webpage.</strong></a><br></p>
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<strong>About City of Phoenix Water Services Department</strong>
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<p>The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is dedicated to providing high-quality, reliable, and sustainable water services to the residents, businesses, and visitors of Phoenix. With a commitment to water conservation, innovation, and long-term planning, the department ensures a secure and resilient water supply for future generations. For more information, visit <a href="/waterservices" target="_blank"><strong>phoenix.gov/water.</strong></a></p>
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<strong>Media Contacts:</strong>
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<p>
<strong>Jimena Garrison</strong>
</p>
<p>Public Information Officer</p>
<p>Water Services</p>
<p>480-390-1933</p>
<p>
<a href="mailto:jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>jimena.garrison@phoenix.gov</strong>
</a>
</p>
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<strong>Michael Gertzman</strong>
</p>
<p>Sr. Public Information Officer </p>
<p>Water Services</p>
<p>602-534-1209</p>
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<a href="mailto:michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov" target="_blank">
<strong>michael.gertzman@phoenix.gov</strong>
</a>
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</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/waterservices | News | water-services |
