The week brought rain to Phoenix, which means stormwater runoff.

Coincidentally, the city of Phoenix designated this week, Jan. 22-28, as Stormwater Awareness Week. City officials say that as the water from the rain flows over Phoenix, it doesn’t just evaporate.

“There is not a stormwater treatment plant,” said city of Phoenix Environmental Quality Specialist Joshua Blakeley. “All the stormwater that runs off goes into washes rivers, canals, your local detention retention basin in your neighborhoods.”

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, or MS4s, catch stormwater off of streets and discharge it into protected surface waters. That water in MS4s stays separate from sewage that goes to treatment plants.

Blakely said common pollutants found in Phoenix stormwater samples are copper and lead, which come from a variety of sources, and E. Coli, which comes primarily from pet waste.

The city’s Environmental Service Division “is dedicated to protecting public health and the environment by maintaining compliance with environmental regulations for drinking water, stormwater and wastewater quality,” said Phoenix Water Services Department Public
Information Officer Jimena Garrison in an email.

Phoenix maintains stormwater quality through a variety of efforts, including public outreach and the management of stormwater at municipal facilities, industrial or commercial facilities and construction sites.

The city tests water quality from storm drains both during storms and during dry weather, and workers inspects sites year around.

“We're not worried about when it rains,” Blakeley said. “We're

Phoenix implements building techniques that reduce flooding, erosion, heat islands and poor water quality called Green Stormwater Architecture.

The public also plays a large role in stormwater management, which is why the city of Phoenix hosts Stormwater Awareness Week annually. This year’s Stormwater Awareness Week included a virtual workshop which took place Jan. 24.

At the workshop, Blakeley said ways individuals can help the effort to keep stormwater free of pollutants include the proper disposal of trash, recycling and household chemicals. In addition, people need to pick up after pets and avoid the overuse of fertilizers.

When it comes to car maintenance, Blakeley said to ensure your car is not leaking oil out onto the streets and use a commercial car wash.

“I know some people want to do it in their front yard, but most car washes actually recycle and reuse that water and you reduce those contaminants,” he said.

During the workshop, city of Phoenix Environmental Programs Coordinator Christine Nuñez highlighted questions raised by participants concerning the draining of swimming pools.

“Why is it such a problem?” she asked. “Should homeowners be reported or educated on the appropriate way?”

Blakely said while it is allowable to drain pool water into the yard, it is better to dispose of large amounts of pool water through the sewer, and instructions on doing so can be found on the city of Phoenix website.

City officials also said if Phoenix residents see illegal dumping they should call the city's Stormwater Hotline at 602-256-3190.